“I will never forget June 4, 2012. What started out as routine lab work turned into a life changing experience. As I was getting a stress test for baby, there was a dip in her heart rate. I was rushed to labor and delivery where further monitoring was to be continued. I was shocked and scared when the nurse told me I was going to be rushed to Madigan Hospital in Tacoma. I was prepped with a catheter and given a shot. I arrived at the hospital at 7:33pm and 3 hours later underwent an emergency C-section due to a serious case of preeclampsia. The life of my baby and I depended on it. I was only 31 weeks pregnant at the time and I was scared for the myself and the baby, as you can imagine.

After the whole ordeal of delivery was over, I was left overwhelmed. I wondered how I would travel from Port Orchard to Tacoma daily (a 45-minute drive) after a C-section. The toll fees were set to go up to $5.00 and gas was $4.85 a gallon. This would carry a heavy burden on our family, for I already had 3 children ages 14, 8, and 3 years old. Luckily my doctor mentioned the Fisher House.  I was reluctant at first, but later decided it would be best. My husband did the paperwork and came back with a smile. He said, “It’s like a bed and breakfast.” When I arrived and saw the Fisher House, I thought it was beautiful. It was like a home. The landscape was beautiful. The playground was something I imagined the kids playing in during the day. The office lady was friendly and it put my mind at ease. The room was furnished with a TV, desk, cozy bed, and other basic needs. There is a laundry room. The kitchen was spacious and stocked with everything you need and more. I could have space for my own personal food and snacks. People came and delivered a meal once a week. I received a complimentary massage that just happened to be on my birthday.

The other guests made me feel at home. We all shared our stories as to how we came to the Fisher House and we provided emotional support for each other during our stay. I will forever be grateful for the staff and other guests present at the Fisher House. Thank you for those who make the Fisher House possible.”

Mrs. Judith Maits

Getting a phone call late in the evening from your daughter who has been in Afghanistan for the last three months is something you look forward to. But on this particular night, the news wasn’t good. Our daughter had been medivac-ed into Madigan Army Hospital in Washington over the weekend from Afghanistan. All of your worst fears come to surface, the what, why’s, where’s, is she okay?

We live in Oregon- 21 miles from the Oregon-California border in a small town called Talent; 472 miles from here. All we could think of was our daughter and whatever it takes to get to her. Thanks to the Fisher House, we had a lot less to worry about. It cost nothing to stay here, so we could concentrate on her and not worry about our finances. The staff was friendly and compassionate. The room was excellent. We enjoyed our stay even though we were worried about our daughter’s health.

John and Jonel Todd

To the Fisher House staff and volunteers: Thank you for such a warm welcome here at the Fisher House. This program is excellent, providing the best for our Wounded War Soldiers and Families. The program has allowed me to get refreshed, and lack of worry knowing that my nephew is progressing in his transition. I pray blessing of unlimited prosperity with funding, product donations, and many heartfelt volunteers. May the staff & volunteers here be richly blessed!

The Green Family

IEDs, bombs and shootings take a toll on the soldiers. The “big” IED exploded beneath the Hum-V my husband was in. The blast was so violent; it flipped his Hum-V and knocked out the soldier in the Hum-V behind theirs. My husband was rendered unconscious and sustained multiple injuries. We are so thankful he is still with us today. He’s been away from us over two years. This is his second deployment. I’ve been home with three kids, watching them grow up without Daddy and wondering if Daddy would come home at all. Even if he did come home,  would it ever be like it was before he left? Would he be the same? He’s already been away for half of my daughter’s life. She is 8 now. The  cruelty of war changes who we are…but so also does the kindness of strangers. Fisher House blessed us so deeply. It made a way for us to see my husband while he is healing and is helping us to heal as well.

Much Love and Gratitude,

The Warren Family

Today I checked in to the Fisher House.  So far it’s been nice.  It’s a huge relief for me to be so close to Madigan.  The reason I’m here is because my daughter, Analeigh, was born on December 31, 2011 at 32 weeks old.  It all happened so fast, it still feels so unreal at times.  But Anna and I are doing good so far.  Again it is a huge relief to be so close.  We live an hour and a half away from here.  And today found out that they are sending Daddy home. Another huge relief!

-Alexanderya Mitchell 1/3/2012