Some of you may know that I have a son in the Army who is serving in Afghanistan right now. So the subject of the Fisher House is very important to me. Please read this and help if you can. And if you know of any family with a son/daughter/wife/husband who is currently serving in the Military, please direct them to The Blue Star Mothers website.

The Fisher House recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in the military and the hardships of families by meeting a humanitarian need beyond what is normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Many times the financial burden on the families to be with their loved ones during an unexpected injury or illness is just to great and they would not able to be with them, if it were not for The Fisher Houses. Sometimes these soldiers can be in the hospital 2-3 months and if the family had to rely on staying in hotels and eating all their meals in restaurants it would be impossible. So the need they provide is a great one!

Because military personal and their families must travel far distances for specialized medical care, The Fisher House builds “Comfort Homes” on the grounds and within walking distance of the VA Medical Centers. Because these homes are offered free of charge it allows family members to be with their loved ones during this very stressful time. having their loved ones around them has been proven to help in their recovery…Each year The Fisher House provides housing to over 10,000 families.

Last March Illinois opened it’s 1st Fisher House on the grounds of th VA hospital in Hines, Il. Since March this home has housed over 250 families.

These homes are built entirely on donations and rely on donations to operate every month. One of the Star Sponsors of The Fisher House is Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band. Each year at Catigny Park in Wheaton he holds a “Rockin for the Troops” Benefit Concert to help support The Fisher House. This year the concert is on July 17, 2010 at:

Cantigny Park, Wheaton, IL – 1S151 Winfield Road – Wheaton, IL
If you would like to purchase tickets for this concert please go to this website: Rockin For The Troops or click on the logo above.

Operation Support our Troops Illinois will also be there collecting much needed items for our soldiers:

1.Slim Jims/Beef Jerky
2.Foil packets of tuna or chicken
3.Travel size packages of wipes/Lens wipes for glasses , etc.
4.Foot powder
5.Hand sanitizer (16 oz or less)

Fisher House Facts