AFW2 Caregivers Share How They Collectively Heal During Virtual Panel

AFW2 Caregivers Share How They Collectively Heal During Virtual Panel

Story by Christy Wilcox

Photos courtesy the Gage Family and Fisher House Foundation

Military spouse Sarah Gage is a caregiver for her husband, an activeduty technical sergeant in the Air Force. He was wounded in April 2018, but the story of her family goes far beyond caring for him. She also has a two-year-old son, who was diagnosed with multiple medical issues starting at just three weeks old. Sarah and Christian Berry, also a caregiver, shared their stories during an Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) virtual panel discussion last fall. AFW2 hosted the panel to discuss how Fisher House Foundation serves both service members and those working hard to help their injured warriors heal.

AFW2 Support Branch Chief Marsha Gonzales hosted the virtual panel with guest, Tish Stropes, Fisher House Foundation Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Tish may be a member of the Fisher House team, but she is also a military spouse. Her husband served in the Air Force for 25 years. She understands why it is important for caregivers to have a break from dayto-day stress. Tish says support from Fisher House is vital for both AFW2 and their caregivers.

"When we support caregivers, the healing process gets easier, the focus is more intentional, and everyone benefits- families re-connect, grow stronger, and ultimately remain together," Tish said.

During the discussion, both Sarah and Christian shared how the Fisher House mission helped their families thrive. Christian’s family was able to go to Warrior Games together with the help of Fisher House. She said it was inspiring for her kids to watch their father run during his track event. Christian says knowing people are working behind the scenes to support her family is especially heartwarming.

"You feel a presence of just love, peace, and dedication," Christian said.

Both caregivers say Fisher House has been valuable as they embrace a new way of life, while also learning how to care for themselves. Fisher House is proud to support families during this process. In January 2020, AFW2 hosted a CARE event to work with wounded warriors and their caregivers in Oahu, Hawaii. Fisher House’s Hero Miles program provided the airline tickets to get them to their destination.

For Sarah, her time in Hawaii was priceless. While her husband was engaged in learning adaptive sports, Sarah had the opportunity to attend workshops and meet other caregivers like her. Sarah also discovered that Fisher House could also help connect her family with a community group for support while her son gets treatment at a children's hospital in Boston. As a result, Sarah and her husband received hotel rooms and advocacy from the Boston Fisher House community group. The support lifted a burden off their shoulders, enabling them to focus solely on their son's care. When needed, they stay at a hotel next to their child's hospital instead of enduring an hours-long drive home.

AFW2 Caregiver Program Manager Tonya McGough also participated in the virtual panel. She reflected on the special event in Hawaii as well. She discussed how the mission positively affected the lives of caregivers who often do not have "me time." Tonya said this special occasion allowed people a freedom some had not felt in a long time. During their stay in Hawaii, participants got to interact with each other and with leadership. Sarah says the camaraderie at the meet-up has given her life-long friendships, ones she depends on as she continues to care for both her husband and son.