Fisher houses are a vital part of helping Veterans heal. If there is an open room in a Fisher House next to a VA or military medical facility, a family can join in their Veteran’s recovery at no lodging cost. Today, two new Fisher houses opened at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York City.
Rendering of the two new “Tudor” style Fisher Houses opening today in the Bronx. (Courtesy Fisher House Foundation)
When compared against local commercial lodging, these two 16-suite homes will save families up to three million dollars a year. Realistically though, nobody can put a price tag on having your family right beside you during a long-term rehabilitation. These two new homes will join the 70+ Fisher Houses currently in operation around the world. A recent blog by Fisher House states the by the end of the year, the Fisher House Network will be able to provide for over 1,000 families at any given time.
In addition, James J. Peters Medical Center is a regional home to VA exoskeleton research. These two new homes will allow Veterans from outside of the local Bronx area to take part in studies that will not only help the Veteran community but will help millions walk again. The Bronx VA is also the regional referral center for kidney transplants, dialysis, bariatric, microvascular and robotic surgery. It is also the regional medical center for amputee, polytrauma and traumatic brain injury care.
Hi Folks. The Fisher House Dedication Day is quickly approaching. We hope to see all of you there. Inpatients and staff in the Medical Center can watch the event live on Closed Circuit TV, JJP Channel 12. pic.twitter.com/1yOIyWXG2x
— Bronx VA Medical Ctr (@VABronx) May 16, 2019
To mark today’s event, today’s interview is the current President of the Fisher House Foundation, Army Veteran David Coker.
“The support system that happens in these houses…that’s actually the brick and mortar that holds them together.” -Ken Fisher #FisherHouse #HomeAwayFromHome pic.twitter.com/kK3jmTiMiY
— Fisher House (@FisherHouseFdtn) January 9, 2019
We talked about:
- his family’s extensive military service
- his personal service as an Army medical officer
- his transition in the 90s how he came to be the very first employee of the Fisher House Foundation.
- the unique way that the foundation got its name.
Enjoy.
FOR INFO ON LOCAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES CLICK HERE
#BtB Veteran of the Week:
Army Veteran Todd Cornell
Additional Links for this Episode:
- https://maketheconnection.net/mhm
- https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/purchaseco_loan_fee.asp
- https://www.cem.va.gov/cem/ceremony/2019_Memorial_Day.asp
- carrytheload.org
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