Don needed me. When the phone rang with the news from Charleston Air Force Base, Bonita dropped everything to get to her brother.

Until that phone call, Don was a decorated Airman with 22 years of service. He was the guy that always did for others and who was selected for special assignments around the world. After the accident that rendered him paralyzed from the neck down, Don was the one who needed help.

Bonita’s younger brother needed 24-hour care, and a healthcare advocate. Bonita immediately stepped into that role. She learned Air Force policies, then later VA, so that she could be with her brother as he was transferred from spinal cord injury units in Charleston and Atlanta to the Augusta VA, ensuring he had access to the specialized care he required. For 19 months, while Don was hospitalized, Bonita was with him every day from 6am to midnight.

In the middle of this ordeal, as she became an expert on her brother’s medications and therapies, she found respite at the VA Augusta Fisher House. For four months, Bonita would spend her waking hours bedside, often setting aside her own needs. At the end of the day, she could enjoy a quiet meal at the Fisher House, do laundry, gather her thoughts.

Physical trauma like Don’s can lead to depression and dark moments. Without Bonita by his side, Don might have let his therapies lapse, might not have learned to use his wheelchair, might not have survived at all. Fisher House helped make it possible for Bonita to be with Don… because a sister’s love is good medicine.

Changing Lives, One Gift at a Time

This year has proven to be one of unprecedented change around the world. Change that has deeply impacted our lives, communities and the Veterans we serve. Our commitment to military & Veteran families must not waiver, and never will as long as Veterans require hospitalization at VA Medical Centers.

The same can be said for Bonita, the Ride for Freedom and Wolverine Harley Davidson! That’s why Fisher House Michigan is teaming up with the Ride for Freedom to make this #GivingTuesday the best yet! #GivingTuesday is on December 1, an annual global day of giving and generosity of all kinds, big and small, and we invite you to join us.

Please consider making a gift to Fisher House Michigan to help our community when they need it most. All donations are tax-deductible, and 100% of Giving Tuesday funds go directly to Veteran families in the way you designate. What's more, your gift today will be matched by the Ride for Freedom, up to $15,000!

Even in times of crisis, our work is desperately needed. Your support is appreciated now more than ever. The need for construction funding for Detroit, and program funding for the Ann Arbor Fisher House still remain, and Fisher House Michigan is here to steward your gift to make the greatest possible impact! Michigan military and Veteran families are counting on us.

With gratitude,

Kate Melcher
Executive Director
Fisher House Michigan

Giving Tuesday 2021: Matching Funds available!

By Fisher House Michigan

Giving Tuesday 2021: Matching Funds available!

Will you help us build a Fisher House in Detroit?

Team Members