Fisher House Benefits Local Airman
By Julia A. Keirns
(This article was written for The Delphos Herald Newspaper and published in June, 2018)
A1C (Airman First Class) Alan Keirns from Ohio City, Ohio was able to stay at The Fisher House on Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio while he recuperated from PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) Laser Eye Surgery this past week.
What is the Fisher House? The Fisher House program provides a “home away from home” for military patients actively receiving medical care at a major military or VA medical center and their families. These homes provide free temporary lodging. The homes are beautiful, professionally furnished and decorated. One home can accommodate anywhere from 16 to 42 families with private bedrooms and baths. They feature a common kitchen, dining area, living room, library, tv room, laundry facility and are completely handicap accessible. Food, drinks, and snacks are provided free of charge. Kitchens are completely stocked with everything a family would need to cook a meal.
The Fisher House program began in 1990 and has offered more than 8 million days of lodging to more than 350,000 families worldwide. The Fisher House Foundation builds these comfort homes where active military and veterans, along with their families, can stay free of charge. The program saves families thousands of dollars in out of pocket costs while receiving their medical treatment.
When Alan arrived at the Fisher House #2 facility he was given a wonderful care package donated by Buckeye Military Families in Galloway, Ohio that included several personal care and fun items he might need for his stay. His family could come stay as well and help take care of him during his recovery time.
While at the Fisher House, Alan met several other military active personnel and veterans receiving many kinds of treatment. One Marine Vietnam Veteran having some heart procedures done recalled getting in trouble as a young marine. A buddy of his had a weekend pass and he wanted to go along, so he left the base without a pass.
“I found out that going AWOL was frowned upon by my commanding officer,” he said, “and I spent 10 days in the brig.”
One Air Force Veteran struggled to walk as he recuperated from back surgery. Another young airman recalled being told to have the PRK surgery for the benefit of his job. He didn’t realize his vision was as poor as it was until he misread a number and made a serious mistake.
Whether Airforce, Army, Marine, or Navy, all military members are welcome at the Fisher House. Friends are made, stories are told, and healing begins. Not having to worry about money and finances is a huge relief to the patients and their families.
Alan was nervous yet amazed at how well his surgery went. “People who can see without contacts or glasses have no idea what it is like,” he said. “My whole life my vision has been blurry. I walked out of surgery and could read a sign on the wall! Now I can see without any contacts or glasses, and it only took that laser 40 seconds to fix each eye.”
“I am thankful for the Fisher House. It allowed me to come to Dayton, get my vision corrected and stay for the entire 12 days required. I might not have been able to come otherwise.”
The Fisher House program is worldwide but can and does benefit local residents like A1C Alan Keirns. There are many ways to donate. It is even possible to host a “Special Event Fundraiser” to benefit the Fisher House Foundation. Go to www.fisherhouse.org to discover available ways to help.