b'was a success but Kevin would need time to heal, to regain his strength and to learn how to use the bathroom with his newly attached colostomy bag. Once released from the hospital, Kevin recovered at the Wounded Warrior Battalion while his parents were able to remain at the Fisher House, at no cost to them, making it possible for them to accompany Kevin on his many follow-up medical appointments. To make sure an infection wouldnt develop, Kevin was restricted from work and strenuous movements. It would take another surgerythis one in January2020before Kevins colostomy bag could be removedand his internal organs reattached. Once again, the Fisher House was made available to Kevins parents and following his surgery, Kevin was able to join them at the House while he recovered.Within weeks, Kevin was strong enough tofly home to Queens, with his parents right by his side. Reflecting back on that challenging time, Kevin recallshow the Fisher House lifted so much weight off his parents shouldersremoving the financial burden of having topay costly hotel expenses, making it convenient for themto remain at his bedside at the hospital, helping with his recovery at the House, and providing the comforts ofhome away from homewhile they were thousandsof miles away from their own home.Most of all, Kevin says that Fisher House is part of afamily and that staying at a Fisher House creates thefamily environment that is so important to boost morale of the wounded warrior.Says Kevin, The Fisher House is a true blessingit is for so many families, and it was especially for my family. Ill never forget what they did for us, without asking anything in return. Having my family close by whileI got better, really helped me a lot. Fisher Houses are indeed special placesplaces that Kevin Gerodias. Courtesey Fisher Housefew people know abouteven though there are 88 Fisher Houses in the U.S, two in Germany and one in the U.K., allFHSC President Geiling added that the organization is located near a major medical military facility. Says Terryespecially looking to increase awareness and support forGeiling, President of Fisher House Southern California,the Houses at Camp Pendleton and San Diego, especially As many of the Houses are located on a secured militarynow as the Houses are fully opening up after the pandemic. base that is off limits to most, the community is not alwaysGifts to Fisher House SoCal are tax-deductible and canaware of their existence, and more importantly, what a greatbe made on-line at: www.fisherhousesocal.org or by calling resource this is for families of our veterans and military.562-297-0990. For more information, including volunteer In a unique private-public partnership, Fisher Houseopportunities, please contact Linda Rahn, FHSC Executive Foundation works with community groups to help raise halfDirector at Lrahn@fisherhousesocal.org or at 562-297-0990.the funds needed to build a Fisher House. Once the House is built, it is gifted back to the respective military service orFisher House Camp PendletonDepartment of Veteran Affairs for ongoing management.Naval Medical Center Camp Pendleton, CACommunity groups, such as the non-profit Fisher House Southern California, Inc. (FHSC), help provide much neededwww.fisherhousecamppendleton.org resources for the Houses and to the families, that are notFisher Houses offer a home away from home at no cost provided by the government. for families of patients receiving medical care at military Fisher House So Cal supports four Fisher Houses locatedtreatment facilities. Each Fisher House offers comfortable at: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton; Naval Medical Centeraccommodations that allow military families to focus on San Diego (two houses at this location); and the VA Medicalthe medical care and recovery of their loved one. Guests Center Long Beach, providing gift cards to the families forare warmly welcomed by caring and compassionate staff essential items; food supplies and occasional meals at themembers who offer encouragement and provide families House; transportation vouchers; toys, games, books andwith information about the resources and services available entertainment for the children; replacement linens, towelsto help meet their needs.and bedding; computer and internet access, and more. Continued on page 15Thank You For Your Service HJuly 2021H Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 11'