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Friends of Fisher House - Illinois

Helping Military Families During Medical Crises Because A Family's Love Is Good Medicine

Friends of
Fisher House - Illinois

Helping Military Families During Medical Crises Because A Family's Love Is Good Medicine

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Military Families Express Heartfelt Appreciation

I’m overwhelmed by the impeccable service…this has been one of the most beautiful experiences under the circumstances for my Dad’s medical problems…grateful doesn’t cover how I feel and blessed.

 

This our first time at the Fisher House—how amazing it is! ...thank you for providing comfort when we’re feeling most uncertain of what our future holds…after long days at the hospital it’s so nice to find fellowship upon return “home.”

 

Back again..so nice to know the Fisher House and staff are here for us. Especially when there is so much unknown in the future of my husband’s health…you provide for us at a time when we are dealing with issues that sometimes overwhelm us.

 

The staff didn’t act like staff. They treated us like family. I thought it would be like living in barracks. Wow, was I wrong! I’m grateful to Fisher House..found a new charity that is near and dear to my heart.

 

This stay helped so much! God blessed me by allowing us to stay in the Fisher House which gives peace in this timed of need.

 

After being here 32 days, we are going home…Fisher House is a lifesaver..what a beautiful place! Thankful for everyone who touched our lives.

Military Families Hosted

Project Donor

Funding for this project was provided by the Veterans Cash Scratch-off Lottery Grant from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Cash

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
833 South Spring Street
P.O. Box 19432
Springfield, IL 62794-9432
Phone: 217-782-6641
www2.illinois.gov/veterans

 

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools 2nd Graders Collect 500 New Books, Games, Puzzles & Purchase 24 Hair Driers for Military Family Children at Hines 'Home Away from Home'

Blue Star Mothers Greater Chicago IL#3 Chapter spearheaded campaign to assist Friends of Fisher House – Illinois’ mission to help support Hines VA Fisher House

Blue Star Mothers Blue Star Mothers

President of Blue Star Mothers Greater Chicago IL #3 Chapter Joyce Carrasco (left) helped spearhead the University of Chicago Lab School campaign. She also garnered substantisl Blue Star Mothers' member donations. Here, Carrasco and fellow member Judy Stumpf present 34 handmade Prayer Shawls plus hand-crocheted baby crib blankets to Hines VA Fisher House.

Twenty-three University of Chicago Laboratory School 2nd graders gave 500 new books, games and puzzles to children of military family guests to enjoy at the "home away from home." They also presented $800 for 24 hair driers. Shown with youngsters are Joyce Carrsaco (Inset), 2nd grade teacher Nicole Power (back row left) and assistant, Kandyce St. Clair.

Twenty-three 2nd graders from the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools presented 500 new books, games and puzzles to Hines VA Fisher House after a two-month campaign. The Hines VA Fisher House provides free lodging to veterans and military families facing medical crises beginning March 1, 2010.

“We are so excited to be coming and to tour the Fisher House,” says 2nd grade teacher Nicole Power. “The students are very invested in this project which is a wonderful life-lesson in giving. Each child came off the bus carrying books, games or puzzles…these are 23 youngsters who really get that this is about giving to the military family children. I’m so proud of them.

“We have placed book plates in the books expressing thanks from our school family to those who use the Hines VA Fisher House for their sacrifice and service,” Power concludes.

The book, game and puzzle drive was spearheaded by former University of Chicago Lab School staffer Shelia Joyce Carrasco, President of the Greater Chicago IL#3 Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America.

According to Betty Stamatis, President of Friends of Fisher House – Illinois (FOFH-IL), local support non-profit, “It was gratifying to receive Ms. Carrasco’s offer of assistance for our mission to support Hines VA Fisher House. We discussed the Fisher House needs and the plan for a school-wide book drive was developed. FOFH-IL truly appreciates all the networking and activity devoted to accumulating 500 books, games and puzzles plus purchasing 24 hair driers.

“Also, Mrs. Carrasco and Blue Star Mothers members have donated many Gift Registry Housewarming accessories for the Fisher House. Their special donation of 24 Prayer Shawls to comfort family members during their long bedside vigils supporting their wounded or ailing veterans is especially meaningful.

FOFH-Il invites more schools, veterans organizations, corporations, small businesses and individuals interested in serving on our Board, volunteering or donating to support of Hines VA Fisher House to visit www.fofhil.org for full information, e-mail assistance@fofhil.org or telephone FOFH-IL at 847-254-2912.

Giving Tree These 24 3rd-Grade Students at University of Chicago Laboratory School Perform Chores to Raise Funds for Purchase of $166-Grocery Card for Military Family Guests at Hines VA Fisher House Teacher Deloris Beaton says, “I’m so proud of my students. They did chores at home to earn money which they hanged on this Giving Tree. They have learned an invaluable life-long lesson in giving to others. We look forward to visiting the Fisher House and seeing first-hand how it supports our military families.