Pauline Trost, wife of then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Carlisle Trost, presented the idea of building temporary lodging facilities on major military medical centers to Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher who took the idea and made it into a reality.

Typically, the temporary lodging facilities, known as Fisher Houses are 5,000-to 16,000-square-foot homes donated by Fisher House Foundation. Each house is designed to provide eight to 21 suites. All are professionally furnished and decorated in the tone and style of the local region. The houses can accommodate anywhere from 16 to 42 family members. They feature a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a spacious dining room and an inviting living room with a library and toys for children.

When Steve and Deborah Romano's son, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman [2.sup.nd] Class Steve Romano Jr., was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) they did not know what to do.

"It's amazing after 30 years in the Navy, I didn't know about the Fisher House," said Romano, a retired master chief.

Before finding out about the Fisher House, the Romanos were staying in hotels off base and the Navy Lodge on base at National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), Bethesda, Md.

"The first benefit [of staying in the Fisher House] is we are close by to support our son in the most trying time of his life," said Romano. "For us to be able to be here is worth its weight in gold."

Romano explained that if the Fisher House had not been an option, more than $10,000 would have been spent in hotel costs. "Originally I didn't know where we were going to stay," said Deborah, "I would have stayed in the car just to be with him. Having this facility makes our time here easier and we can concentrate on his medical situation."

According to Cindy F. Campbell, vice president for community relations and media affairs for the Fisher House, the facilities were designed for the family to feel at home.

"Home. A home where you can stay, cook dinner and eat in our lovely dining room," said Campbell. "Or, sit in the living room, read a book then go to your room later that night. We really hope that these houses are always full."

With Fisher Houses around the world in constant use, it's necessary to plan for new houses.

"Fisher House relies on donations to keep us operating and building new houses, once we build a new home we give them to the Veterans Administration or the Department of Defense," said Campbell.

"We take great pride [in knowing] that when we donate these houses to the military they are stunning and that they are gorgeous," said Campbell. "You can walk in and feel a sense of comfort right away. We want the houses to be warm and inviting. We want you to be comfortable so the only focus is on that person in the hospital."

Retired Senior Chief Journalist Cynthia Panzani and her husband Rino have been using the Fisher House facilities worldwide since 1991.

"Initially there was no Fisher House," said Cynthia, who is a breast cancer survivor. "When Rino and I are here [at the Fisher House] it's like we are surrounded by family." Cynthia lives with her husband in LaMaddalena, Italy, and has been undergoing breast cancer treatment for more than 20 years. The couple often has to travel to get her treatments.

During one of the Panzani's visits to the Fisher House, Rino recalled the selfless actions of the faculty's staff and other guests that he says, "made me feel like family."

"Many years ago, Cynthia had surgery in the morning at 7 a.m. that lasted till 10 p.m.," said Rino. "When I could finally see her she was still unconscious, so they told me to go home. I went home after a stressful day, skipping breakfast and lunch. I was just going to have a bowl of soup and go to bed. But, as soon as I got to the Fisher House everyone was waiting on me; the table was set, and they prepared a lobster dinner for me. I almost cried; it was wonderful, I never forgot that."

According to the official Fisher House Foundation website the foundation believes in the promotion of the family environment and the tie between military members. These two things combine together to create a place where people can share experiences and make lifelong friends.

"Cynthia Panzani made me feel like family," said Personnel Specialist [1.sup.st] Class Gloria Sebastian. Gloria and Cynthia met a few years ago and Cynthia is a friend and mentor to Gloria as she goes through her own treatments for breast cancer.

Volunteers help the staff at the facilities create a comfortable environment. These volunteers donate their time to aid service members and their families with day-to-day tasks.

"I think the concept of the Fisher House is important because it helps support the families and keeps them together," said Christy Hertz, a Fisher House volunteer. "I retired from the Army and felt like it was time to 'pay it back.' I volunteer because it makes me feel good."

Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher's dream lives on in 53 homes across the United States and abroad helping military families in need by providing a quality of life in the places they built. The foundation also helps by administering and sponsoring scholarships for military children, the Hero Miles program and co-sponsors of the Newman's Own Awards program. For more information see the foundation's website www.fisherhouse.org.

PS1 Gloria Sebastian poses for a picture outside of the Fisher House near National Naval Medical Center where she stayed while receiving treatment for cancer.

Story and photos by MC1(SW/AW ) Andrew Meyers

Meyers is assigned to Defense Media Activity-Navy, Washington, D.C.

Author: Andrew Meyers