Fisher House would help wounded vets' families here

Fisher House would help wounded vets' families here

WKYC

By Jeff Maynor

08.27.10

The most common combat injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan have been amputations and brain injuries from explosions.

Wounded veterans receive the best treatment at Veterans Administration hospitals, which are often far distances from their homes and families.

The Fisher Foundation builds homes-away-from-home for these families so they can take part in the recovery of their sons or daughters, husbands or wives.

"The doctors and nurses do the medical healing, but the real healing takes place in the spirit families bring," said Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, who spoke at the City Club of Cleveland Friday.

"Fisher Houses provide a place to stay at no charge, so the families can focus on one thing, getting their wounded family member better," he said.

A fundraising campaign will begin next week to build a Fisher House near the Louis Stokes Veterans Hospital at University Circle.

"The Fisher Foundation will provide significant resources for a Fisher House, and then the local community provides the remaining resources to bring a Fisher House to that community," said Sean Nelson, assistant director of the Stokes Hospital.

An estimated $6 million will be needed to build the Fisher House, which will have 21 family suites that can serve more than 100 people.

The campaign will seek donations from businesses, veteran's groups and individuals.