Fisher House: A place to stay, with emotional support

Army Veteran and former nurse Ken Lewis is fighting cancer, and North Texas VA is diligently working to save his life.

Lewis requires daily radiation treatments at the Dallas-based medical center. Getting this necessary treatment and making the 120-mile daily and early morning drive would be nearly impossible without the support of the local Fisher House—even with his wife of 44-years, Valerie—a Veteran and medical laboratory specialist—accompanying him.

The Dallas VA Fisher House is a 21-bed home away from home for patients and families receiving life-saving medical care and treatment. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a dining room and an inviting living room. The Fisher House serves more than just a place to live during treatment. It is a community that offers emotional support and a sense of family that is deeply therapeutic.

Fisher House a lifeline and a blessing

Ken and Valerie didn’t just see the Fisher House as a place to stay. It was a lifeline, a blessing that eased their journey through a challenging time.

“If we would have had to stay in the local community, it would have cost us well over $10,000,” said Ken. “The Fisher House is truly a blessing. It has allowed me to focus on my treatment and not commuting 240 miles a day in heavy traffic.”

Being surrounded by other patients and their families facing similar challenges also offers an additional layer of therapeutic support.

Pictured at top, Ken and Valerie bake cookies for fellow Fisher House guests.

Over 500 patients a year

“There’s so many people who are here at the Fisher House that we’ve talked to and supported one another. It’s wonderful,” Valerie added.

Dallas’ Fisher House sees over 500 patients and their family members each year, and the demand is growing. The house is typically full most days as North Texas VA has a roster of 180,000 active patients using inpatient and outpatient services nearly two million times a year.

“We stay very busy and try to give each guest the best environment possible to heal,” said Lydia Henderson, Dallas Fisher House program manager.

As a trusted partner to Dallas VA, the convenient on-campus location of the Fisher House enhances access to care for patients and provides a supportive home environment during the most challenging times.

“Without the support of Fisher House and my treatment at VA, I don’t think I would be around long-term,” said Lewis.