Kim & Fola - Georgia

Heidi served 22 years in the Army with the majority of her service as a recruiter and guidance counselor. In April of 2009, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and brought to VA Puget Sound Health Care System for treatment. Her daughter, Mercedes, first stayed at Fisher House then passed the care-giving baton to her sister, Kim. 

“We knew what to expect,” said Kim. “We had stayed at the San Diego Fisher House for two weeks in 2004, when my brother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. But to be honest, the level of service and amenities at the VA Puget Sound Fisher House are greater than we could have imagined."

Kim’s daughter, Fola, was five-years-old at the time and was a happy, busy presence in the House. She popped into the office, always wearing a smile and bringing a hug, and was always the first to offer help if someone started to whip up something in the kitchen. 

While the family appreciated the proximity of the House to the medical center, and the care Heidi received, Kim says the best part about being at the Fisher House was that her daughter called the house home. “I thought she would have a hard time adjusting to the change, but everyone really made Fisher House a home for her."

Kim adds, “I kiddingly refer to the Fisher House as a ‘cruise ship on land‘ because of the plethora of activities and amenities that were offered to my family. It really helped to have a place to relax while our family lived through my mom’s illness."