Army Sgt. Kevin Bell was deployed to Iraq with the 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron from June 2007 to August 2008. Four months following his return home he started getting sick.  His spinal cord became infected, resulting in transverse myelitis, which severely weakened his upper body.

In addition to the stress and uncertainty of a sudden illness his wife, Jackie, was four months pregnant.  Kevin was moved from the ICU at Madigan Army Medical Center to VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Jackie moved to the Fisher House along with her mother-in-law, Dona, who came from Arkansas.  "Mom came to be with Kevin but also to help make sure I was taking care of myself", says Jackie.

In the early days of Kevin's illness Jackie had stayed at the Fort Lewis Fisher House.  "It was beautiful," said Jackie, "But Seattle takes the cake!  We were so glad we would be living so close to the hospital.  And we received a very loving welcome from 'House Mom'  Sherry Cooper".

Dona, meanwhile, had no idea what a Fisher House was before coming here but she says, "The first time I saw the Fisher House I knew it was a home away from home".  Her initial stay at Fisher House lasted one month.

Jackie stayed at Fisher House for another month or so before returning home to work and oversee retrofits to the young family's home.  She would return every weekend, when there was availability, to see her husband up until the time that her ob/gyn told her to stick closer to home.  Meanwhile, Dona returned from Arkansas; first for a short stay with Kevin's brothers and then later in the spring to stay indefinitely. 

Kevin is originally from Arkansas and Jackie from Washington state, which means a lot of family scattered across the country.  "We have been very fortunate to have so much support from my family locally and even more blessed that Kevin's parents, brothers, aunt, grandmother and even his high school buddies have been able to fly out to visit".  Calculating all the stays of all the people connected with Kevin, by August of 2009 the Bell family has racked up over 200 guest nights since first coming to Fisher House.  Reflecting on the lengthy stay Dona says, "You know that saying there is no place like home?  Yes, there is!  The Fisher House is and will be home".

Jackie adds that being in the house for a long time allowed her to establish a routine.  She adds, "And I feel a bond of friendship with the staff and with other Fisher House guests".   There's been another benefit for Jackie.  "I've discovered that doing dishes is therapeutic when everyone pitches in".  She laughs, "My Kevin will be delighted to hear that, since I hate housework!"

On June 20th, Jackie & Kevin welcomed their daughter Tessa Lee into the world. 

"I was able to watch my son hold his newborn baby girl," says Dona.  "She smiled, cooed and was able to bond with her daddy.  To see Kevin's face light up while holding Tess....she is a healing agent in her daddy's recovery".

Tessa Bell, at 2 months.  "We kinda spoil her," says Manager Bagrow.  "In a good way".

When Tessa was only 3 weeks old she and Jackie came back to Fisher House, taking an adjoining room to Grandma Dona.  Now the extended family can be together to support Kevin as well as allow the young family to be close during these very important early days of Tessa's life.

"Having a baby in the house has been great," says Jackie.  "Tessa isn't a real loud or frequent crier and she does just fine when held by others.  And all the ladies in the house were a huge blessing when Kevin accidentally ran over my foot with his wheelchair!"   The staff concurs.  "Tessa is such a sweet, calm baby," says Manager Cecile Bagrow.  "She is just a delight". 

"I will never forget the kindness and love here", says Dona.  "I am blessed to be able to stay in Seattle, close to my son during his illness.  Each night when I come through those double doors I have a place of comfort to stay.  It takes away so much stress.  It's like a breath of fresh air.  The comfort I have received gives me more time to concentrate on Kevin's healing and recovery".   Asked if the experience of Fisher House has taught her anything Dona says, "I will from now on count my blessings instead of my troubles".

With all the changes the last year has brought Jackie has discovered something else about herself.  "I've found a passion for serving that I didn't really have before.  I plan to ask my employer to highlight the Fisher House Foundation during the fall statewide combined fund drive and hope to be there with Tessa and Kevin to be a testimonial to the wonderful service the Fisher House provides".

Jackie & Kevin Bell with baby Tessa (center) surrounded by their family, Dona Bell (Kevin's mom), Dean Bell (Kevin's dad) and Lottie Hanson (Jackie's sister)