Support Military Families This Veteran’s Day

That’s why we wanted to share this story.

Michael Patrick Burke served in the US Air Force in the 1960s. Starting as an Aircraft Mechanic on the mighty C-130 Hercules Cargo airplane, he rose through the ranks to become a Master Crew Chief. Two years ago, Michael was diagnosed with throat cancer. Not only a devastating diagnosis, but a condition that prevented him from swallowing. During that journey of pain and struggle, his family was able to be there to support him.

“I knew that it was crucial for dad to have family support to encourage him through the radiation. But given we live almost 12-hours flight time away, it would cost $7,000 for myself and my 2 kids to be there for dad.”

Fortunately for Helen Lauvao, she found Fisher House, a “home away from home.” Each of the nearly 100 Fisher Houses offers free, temporary lodging to veteran and military families while their loved one is getting medical treatment.

“Fisher House Long Beach was a haven. It was a blessing I’ll never forget. One of the details that made a difference was having access to a laundry room. The radiation made dad get cold easily — warming his clean pajamas before going to bed was so helpful. I tear up just thinking about the love and care we received from our Military family and the Fisher House.”

Fisher House Southern California supports four Fisher Houses. While a loved one is receiving care, their families can be right there with them — at no extra expense. We take care of the details (like kitchens and laundry) so they can focus on their family.

Will you help us serve our military members by providing a ‘home away from home’ for their families when they’re dealing with daily struggles and despair? Your investment in their health would be a wonderful way to honor Veteran’s Day.

“Just this August, after two years of being unable to swallow, Michael, a veteran, received life-changing care at a VA hospital—and now, for the first time in years, he can finally swallow again.”