Air Force Pilot's Family Finds Refuge at Fisher House

Story by Jacque Goodale-McDougal

"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Krystie Martinez

Twelve days after our fourth child was born, my husband, David, woke up confused and complaining of a headache he said had bothered him for a few days. Our family had just celebrated his 34th birthday.

News of his illness spread like wildfire through the small town of Altus, OK, where David served as an Air Force pilot, especially after doctors broke the news they had found a mass deep in his brain and that our little town hospital could not support the level of care he required. Our lives would never be the same.

He was sent to a hospital 2 ½ hours away to begin 13 months of hospitalization in seven facilities in two states. All we could do was drop to our knees and cling to the God we knew would carry us through it all.

David endured brain surgery, feeding tubes, a ventilator, the ICU, rounds and rounds of blood tests, MRIs and CT scans, but the doctors couldn’t figure out how to stop the mass that was quickly stripping him of his cognitive skills and physical abilities. Eventually he was bedridden, nearly blind, unable to speak, and—worst of all—losing all of his memories.

It was devastating for us all. Our three older kids had to live with family and friends for those 13 months. I never knew where I was going to lay my head at night as I followed my husband in ambulances from place to place. His final transfer was to San Antonio, Texas. That is where I found myself living in the Audie Murphy VA Fisher House.

The Fisher House was a refuge to rest, eat, recharge, connect and pray with (and for) the other families in similar circumstances to our own. It was a lovely “home away from home” and was only walking distance from the hospital where David was staying.

Not having to worry about hotel costs during an already difficult time is something I am forever thankful for because it allowed me to tend to my husband’s extensive medical needs and be his advocate, all while trying to maintain my own well-being and that of our family. The Lord always faithfully provided for every need, and the Fisher House was a huge part of the Lord’s provision.

My husband died Dec. 12. An autopsy showed a rare cancer was the cause of his suffering, but I am thankful for the gift of salvation because I know David is with the Lord. I am thankful for the Fisher House and for the many ways the Lord empowered us and those around us to help us in our time of desperation and need.