Families that stay at one of the two Fisher Houses at Joint Base Lewis-McChord are under stress, perhaps far from home, and always worried about the well-being of a loved one.

Especially if that loved one is a baby.

"We have a large neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord," said Pamela Barrington, the houses' business manager. "We work with a local photographer who offers free photo packages to Fisher House guests whose babies are admitted to the hospital. It lets parents document the progression of recovery of their little ones."

The original house (Fisher House I) opened in 1992, and the second, newer house (Fisher House II) opened in 2015. Both are close to the Madigan Army Medical Center.

For over a year, the original house has been undergoing renovations, so Fisher House II has served as the primary residence for families while loved ones are at Madigan.

"We are nearly finished with the complete renovation of Fisher I," continued Barrington. "I don't have a firm date as to when all of the work will be done, but the renovations will allow us to serve another seven families."

For the past 27 years, Fisher Houses have served military families during times of medical crisis. Built by the Fisher House Foundation, they are then given as gifts to the military services and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The Army is the recipient of 17 of the 78 existing Fisher Houses.

Philanthropists Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher established the Fisher House Foundation.

"We work very hard to make connections and partner with various groups and individuals who can, and do, brighten the day of our residents," explained Barrington. "The two houses here at JBLM will continue to run on because of the support that has been offered by the community."

This is where the Combined Federal Campaign, or CFC, helps. One hundred percent of funds received through the CFC are used to support Fisher House I and Fisher House II.

The Fisher Houses' CFC donation number is 56608.

"CFC funds allow us to support the guests here by providing them with everything they would need at home," concluded Barrington.

For more information on the Fisher Houses at JBLM, visit FisherHouse-JBLM.org.