National Attention for Fisher House

First Lady Michelle Obama made quite a splash during her trip to the Fisher House in Bethesda, Md. The Fisher House Foundation helps provide a place to stay for military families who have loved ones receiving medical care nearby. There are nearly 50 of these centers worldwide. Winston Fisher ’96, a member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees and the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors, serves as the executive vice chairman for the Fisher House Foundation. Members of the Fisher family have made Fisher House a reality, helping to relieve a costly burden for the men and women who serve.

It started with a visit by Obama and her dogs, Bo and Sunny, and ended up with stickers on the First Lady’s face. In between, Obama paid tribute to the work done at Fisher House, and the many military personnel and their families.

During her visit, Obama stopped to speak with one young girl, who was decorating Easter eggs. A good-natured Obama allowed the girl to gently place several Easter stickers on the First Lady’s face.

The moment was captured by network news video cameras, and broadcast on NBC’s “Nightly News,” as well as ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The subsequent video was picked up by local stations nationwide, all mentioning the good work done by the Fisher House Foundation.

You can watch the NBC news clip below.

In 2010, Fisher accepted an Orange Circle Award on behalf of the Fisher House Foundation. The Orange Circle Award was introduced in 2009 to recognize altruistic members of the Syracuse University community who have done extraordinary things in the service of others. The video below highlights 2010 award winners, and describes in detail the help provided through Fisher House to the men and women who have served their country.