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First Lady Michelle Obama Dedicates NNMC Fisher Houses

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101203-18
12/3/2010

By Sarah Fortney, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

Bethesda, Md. (NNS) -- First Lady Michelle Obama visited National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) Bethesda, Md. Dec. 3, to dedicate the first of three new Fisher Houses aboard the facility.

The Fisher House program, established in 1990 by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, provides military families a place to stay at no cost while their loved one is in treatment.

The three new 16,000 sq. ft., two-story buildings at Bethesda are in addition to two others currently in operation on campus. Each house consists of 20 suites, which include private, handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Additionally, the houses have common areas, offering large communal dining and family rooms and a multi-cooking station kitchen.

"It is a privilege, and it is an honor to join you as you open the doors of this beautiful house," the First Lady said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Every day, this house and others like it across this country, remind us of a simple truth that when our men and women in uniform are called to serve, their families serve too. Their sacrifice is their family's sacrifice as well."

When a loved one is receiving treatment far away from home, she added, there are many prohibitive costs of hotels and transportation that have kept many family members apart and placed a tremendous burden on others.

Since the Fisher House program was established, it has served more than 130 families, providing nearly three million days of lodging and saving families an estimated $100 million in lodging and transportation expense.

"These numbers don't even begin to capture the impact these houses have had – the late nights families have spent in those kitchens, laughing and crying and praying together, the lifelong friendships they've maintained and the gratitude and relief they feel knowing that wherever they are, they'll have a place to call home," the First Lady said. "We know the sacrifices these folks are making, putting their careers on hold, putting their own dreams aside, often working around the clock to care for those they love."

"We're fortunate to have places like this medical center that provide world class care for our men and women in uniform," she said.

Additionally, in order to heal, she said, service members need more than just medical treatment, they also need "their loved ones who will travel on the road with them – the spouse that sits by their bedside that serves as their champion and their voice, day after day, the parent who pushes and encourages them week after week, the son or the daughter who reminds them of everything they have to look forward to … That is what Fisher House provides for so many military families, that chance to be together when they need each other the most."

While in treatment at NNMC during the past year, David Chirinos said he has been grateful the Fisher Houses have provided a place for his family to stay. He couldn't imagine going through treatment without them. While serving in Kuwait a year ago, Chirinos was diagnosed with type IV cancer – an advanced stage in which the cancer spreads through multiple areas of the body.

"It makes you feel at home, and that's one of the greatest things," said Chirinos. "It's been so great. They make these houses ready for anybody to move in. You can rest and [providers can] focus on the patient, which I think is most important."

Though the Fisher family was not a military family, the First Lady noted, they had the upmost respect for those who served and they spent their lives showing their gratitude.

"They remind us that even if we're not a part of a military family, we're all a part of the American family," she said. "Every single one of us has an obligation to support the men and women who protect us and the families who love them."

"My family has instilled in us a tremendous respect and admiration for those who have dedicated their lives through service in our armed forces," said Fisher, foundation chairman and chief executive officer. "We are grateful to be joined in our efforts by thousands and thousands of patriotic and concerned Americans who are looking for a tangible way to express their thanks and support for our military families."