Latest News & Events - George Mark Children's House

Life Around the House

Beyond the Gala: Hospice News Puts Our Impact in Focus

George Mark Children's House Raises the Bar on Pediatric Innovation Coming off the success of our record-setting fall gala, reporter Holly Vossel took a closer look at why this fundraising milestone matters and how it supports George Mark's work beyond the care we provide today. In the article, CEO Shekinah Eliassen discusses the growing need for pediatric palliative care, ongoing funding and reimbursement challenges, and our efforts to collaborate with other pediatric care providers nationwide to expand access to these essential services. It's an important look at the larger challenges facing our field and the role George Mark is playing in addressing them. READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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November 5, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: Golden State Warriors Honor George Mark Founder Dr. Kathy Hull as an Impact Warrior

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pediatric palliative care pioneer recognized for more than two decades of service to children and families SAN LEANDRO, Calif., November 5, 2026 — George Mark Children’s House (GMCH) announced that its founder, Dr. Kathy Hull, was honored as an Impact Warrior by the Golden State Warriors on November 1 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Impact Warriors program, presented by PG&E, recognizes Bay Area community leaders who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their communities. Honorees are celebrated for their contributions in education, health and wellness, economic development, and civic engagement. A clinical psychologist, Hull founded George Mark Children’s House in 2004 after witnessing the challenges faced by children with serious, life-limiting illnesses and their families while working at Children’s Hospital Oakland, now UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. She envisioned a place where children could receive expert medical care in a warm, home-like environment, with compassionate support for the entire family. Her vision led to the establishment of the nation's first freestanding, independent pediatric palliative care facility in San Leandro, California. Since opening its doors, George Mark has served more than 1,200 children and their families, providing respite, transitional, end-of-life, and bereavement services, all at no cost to families. “Kathy’s vision changed what care could look like for children with serious illnesses and their families,” said Shekinah Eliassen, CEO of George Mark Children’s House. “More than twenty years after opening George Mark, she continues to work directly with families and help guide the organization she founded. We’re proud to see her recognized for her extraordinary contributions.” Hull remains actively involved as a staff psychologist and member of GMCH’s Board of Directors. Her work extends beyond the House through clinical education, mentorship, and advocacy, helping inspire the development of similar pediatric palliative care facilities across the country. Her 2016 TEDWomen talk, which has received more than one million views, has also brought greater awareness to pediatric palliative care. About George Mark Children’s House Founded in 2004 in San Leandro, California, George Mark Children’s House is the nation’s first freestanding pediatric palliative care center. GMCH provides compassionate, comprehensive care for children and young adults with serious medical conditions, including respite, transitional, end-of-life, and bereavement services. Its interdisciplinary team provides around-the-clock specialized medical care and emotional support in a warm, home-like setting, helping families rest, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together. All services are provided at no cost to families. For more information, visit www.georgemark.org. MEDIA CONTACT Ricky Resurreccion Marketing & Events Manager George Mark Children’s House 510-346-1262 rresurreccion@georgemark.org

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November 5, 2026

Pumpkin Day 2026: George Mark’s Biggest Halloween Celebration Yet!

George Mark Children’s House was packed with excitement, laughter, and more than a few familiar characters on Saturday, October 24, as our annual Pumpkin Day welcomed its biggest crowd yet! More than 60 George Mark families, including upwards of 120 children, joined us for this beloved October tradition. With volunteers, community partners, and special guests added to the mix, more than 300 people filled our San Leandro campus for our biggest family event of the year. And what a celebration it was! A Campus Full of Characters and Surprises Everywhere you turned, there was someone (or something!) to meet. Our young guests enjoyed meeting a trio of princesses, a pair of Star Wars droids, a lineup of costumed superheroes, and Pokémon favorites Pikachu, Eevee, and Gengar. A giant teddy bear joined the fun, while the San Francisco Giants' beloved mascot, Lou Seal, arrived sporting his special Halloween bat gear. Back by popular demand was the Jurassic Park Jeep, accompanied by a remarkably lifelike baby raptor puppet and an animatronic baby Triceratops. The prehistoric visitors attracted plenty of curious children eager for a closer look. There were also some real-life animal encounters! Our friends from SonRise brought an adorable miniature horse to meet the families, while two therapy dogs, dressed in their Halloween finest, happily soaked up the attention. Creativity, Costumes, and Plenty of Treats The fun extended well beyond the character encounters. Our talented friends from Pixar returned to put their artistic skills to work, creating custom character drawings based on requests from our young guests. Face painting, pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts, and a photo booth kept families busy throughout the afternoon. Children also had the opportunity to take home their very own Build-A-Bear stuffed animals, along with free Halloween costumes generously provided by our longtime friends at Spirit Halloween. And with so much excitement around campus, everyone was bound to work up an appetite! Our friends at The City Eats and Señor Sisig made sure families and guests were well fed with a delicious lunch. Eleven Stops of Trick-or-Treat Fun! Of course, no George Mark Pumpkin Day would be complete without our grand trick-or-treat parade! To cap off the afternoon, children and their families made their way through 11 trick-or-treat stations spread across the campus. Each stop offered each participant another opportunity to fill their bags with goodies and some pretty impressive giveaways. By the end of the parade, there were plenty of happy trick-or-treaters carrying bags filled to the brim! A Big Thank You to Our Community! To all our George Mark families who joined us for Pumpkin Day, thank you for spending the afternoon with us! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, welcome new ones, and celebrate this beloved October tradition together. A very special shout-out goes to our incredible community of supporters, partners, staff, and volunteers who generously shared their time, talents, and resources to make this year's celebration possible. From the smallest details to the biggest attractions, your contributions helped create a fun and memorable day for the children and families we serve. With heartfelt thanks to: Alamo Women’s Club • Bay Area Droid Builders • Beyond House • Build-A-Bear • Children’s Health Guild • Chronicle Books • The City Eats • Create for Kids • Edwin Galarza • Endor Base • FedEx • Golden Gate Garrison • Kids & Art Foundation • Lucasfilm • My Once Upon a Time Entertainment • Pixar Animation Studios • Sam Simbulan • San Francisco Giants • Señor Sisig • SonRise Equestrian Foundation • Spirit Halloween • West Coast Avengers • Wolves of Mandalore • 3007 Films VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM FROM THE FESTIVITIES

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October 29, 2026

A Giant Slice of Generosity: Slice House and SF Giants Raise $101,000 for George Mark

A decade-long partnership between World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, Slice House, and the San Francisco Giants reached a new milestone this year, raising a record-breaking $101,000 for George Mark Children’s House! The 2026 fundraising campaign officially wrapped up with a special check presentation at Oracle Park, celebrating the generosity of Bay Area pizza lovers and baseball fans who helped make this the partnership’s most successful season yet. What a way to celebrate ten years of pizza, baseball, and giving back! A Season That Started at George Mark Children's House The celebration began back in May, when Tony Gemignani and Giants pitcher Logan Webb visited George Mark Children’s House for a memorable afternoon with our patients, families, and care teams. There was plenty of pizza tossing, laughter, and delicious food as Tony and the players spent time with the children, signed autographs, posed for photos, and even helped make pizzas together. The visit also kicked off another season of the popular Slice House fundraiser, featuring two specialty pizzas created in collaboration with the Giants pitcher. Logan Webb's Double Sausage Pizza brought together Italian sausage, pepperoni, and other savory favorites. For every specialty pizza purchased at participating locations throughout the campaign, $1 from every slice and $6 from every full pizza went directly to George Mark Children’s House. A Record-Breaking Finish at Oracle Park From Livermore and Walnut Creek to San Francisco's Haight Street and North Beach, pizza lovers across the Bay Area and beyond joined the effort. The campaign brought together participating Slice House locations in Belmont, Castro Valley, Folsom, Fremont, Livermore, Millbrae, Milpitas, Mountain View, San Leandro, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco, along with Tony's Coal Fired Pizza & Slice House in North Beach. Every slice added up, culminating in the $101,000 donation celebrated at Oracle Park. For George Mark Children’s House, these funds help support specialized pediatric palliative care, including respite, transitional, and end-of-life care for children and young adults with serious medical conditions. All care is provided at no cost to families. Ten Years of Friendship and Generosity What started as a shared commitment to helping local families has grown into one of George Mark's most enduring community partnerships. Over the years, Tony Gemignani and his team have not only raised vital funds but have also made time to visit our House, get to know our families, and share their love of pizza with our children. Our heartfelt thanks to Tony Gemignani, the entire Slice House team, the San Francisco Giants, and Logan Webb. Your friendship and commitment to George Mark Children's House over these past ten years mean so much to our organization and the families we serve. And to everyone who purchased a slice, ordered a whole pizza, or made an additional donation throughout the season, you helped make this record-breaking year possible. Here's to ten wonderful years and many more slices of generosity to come!

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October 29, 2026

George Mark Care Provider Yohanna Johnson Receives Award for Dedication and Exceptional Care

There are some people who are truly one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime care providers who touch lives and change lives. Yohanna Johnson is one of those people. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at George Mark Children's House, Yohanna has been a guiding light for patients, families, and staff since 2020. Her service goes far beyond standard job duties; it is a lifelong ministry of comfort, grace, and selfless devotion to children who need it most. In an environment that deals with profound grief and complex medical challenges, Yohanna’s steady presence, optimism, and unwavering work ethic uplift everyone around her. Congratulations, Yohanna! Yohanna was recently presented with a Merit Award from the San Andreas Regional Center. This recognition celebrates a caregiver who puts the comfort, safety, and happiness of children with complex issues above all else, and who treats each child with dignity and respect. While this award acknowledges her personal dedication and extraordinary care, it also highlights the profound impact that quiet, compassionate caregiving has on George Mark’s special needs community every single day. Creating joy in every interaction Yohanna approaches care with deep compassion, taking the time to learn and honor each child’s unique quirks, preferences, and personality. This often means serving as a gentle voice and steadfast advocate for our non-verbal patients. She talks and sings to these children, holding a firm belief in their awareness and capacity to feel loved. She is often the first to cradle a crying child or soothe a patient experiencing discomfort, and she often volunteers to take a child outside for a walk to feel the breeze. Yohanna’s presence extends across every space at George Mark Children’s House, whether creating art with a child, sharing a moment on the sensory room floor, or pushing a wheelchair through our restorative garden. On any given day, Yohanna can be found sharing a laugh while lifting a child from a wheelchair to dance and spin down the hallway. Or she might be sitting in the nursing station rocking chair softly rocking a crying toddler. She patiently braids a child’s hair into intricate styles or softly sings to an infant at the end of life while resting parents recharge. Her dedication extends to the finest details of care, whether it’s straightening a child’s sock that’s askew or taking an extra moment to cushion a pressure point. Whenever the House is in need, Yohanna steps up to work extra shifts and overtime, always placing the physical safety, emotional comfort, and well-being of our children and their families above all else. Building trust, comfort, and peace What makes Yohanna truly exceptional is the deep sense of trust and peace she provides to the parents and families of our patients. Entrusting a child with complex medical needs to someone else's care is one of the hardest things a parent can do, yet families find comfort in her care. She listens to parents with deep empathy, validates their fears, and treats their children with tender affection. In the high-acuity, emotionally intense world of pediatric palliative and special needs care, her quiet strength and endless warmth stand out. A source of comfort during life’s most difficult moments After a child dies, Yohanna is often the staff member parents and siblings want to see, as she is the person who had a special connection with their child. She is a comfort and calming presence to parents and caregivers and siblings going through heartbreak, loss, and grief. Yohanna also helps lead George Mark’s annual Service of Remembrance that honors our children who have died, providing Spanish translation for the service. A caregiver who deserves recognition We welcome and embrace the recognition of Yohanna’s exceptional care and dedication through this award. Thank you for being the beating heart of our team, Yohanna. Your natural ability to love and nurture our children is what makes our House a home – and it shines a light on the tender and compassionate care we provide every day at George Mark Children’s House.

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October 29, 2026

Piedmont Post Covers George Mark’s Record $1.1M Gala

The October 28 edition of the featured George Mark Children’s House’s 2026 gala, An Evening of Love & Lyrics. Nearly 400 guests attended the October 2 fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. The evening raised more than $1.1 million, setting a new fundraising record for the organization. The newspaper’s coverage highlights Broadway performer and star Miguel Cervantes and his wife, Kelly Cervantes. The couple shared their family’s personal connection to George Mark. The article also features remarks from Founder Dr. Kathy Hull and CEO Shekinah Eliassen, along with photographs of guests and longtime supporters. Funds raised help George Mark provide pediatric palliative care, respite care, and end-of-life care for children with serious illnesses. Families receive these services at no cost. CLICK HERE TO READ THE PIEDMONT POST ARTICLE

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October 28, 2026

Better than Treats: Halloween Partnership Helps Bring Joy and Creativity to George Mark Children

Spirit of Children supports George Mark’s Child Life Program Spirit of Children is the charitable arm of Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in North America. Spirit of Children has supported George Mark Children’s House since 2021 – the first pediatric setting outside a hospital to receive Spirit of Children funding. Since the partnership began, Spirit of Children has raised more than $275,000 for George Mark’s Child Life program, which brings meaningful, memorable experiences to the children and families we serve. A mission of care – and generosity Spirit of Children works to make medical experiences less frightening for children and their families. Its funding supports Child Life professionals and the resources they need to bring comfort, understanding, and opportunities for self-expression to children navigating medical challenges. This may include sensory equipment, creative arts and music therapy, pet therapy, programs for teens and young adults, and family support services. Currently, Spirit of Children supports more than 165 pediatric hospitals across the United States and Canada and has raised more than $164 million. Contributions directly support the Child Life Department in each participating store’s community, helping local healthcare partners provide programs and resources that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Partnership with a purpose Spirit of Children’s support has helped expand the engaging and therapeutic activities available to George Mark’s children and their families. This includes programs such as music therapy, horticultural therapy, therapeutic art, and SibShop, a program designed for patients’ siblings. These experiences offer children opportunities to express themselves, explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy moments of joy and connection. At George Mark, supporting a child also means supporting the entire family, including siblings who are part of the journey. “We are profoundly grateful for Spirit of Children’s generosity,” said Kyle Amsler, Child Life Specialist at George Mark Children’s House. “We are always looking for new ways to create joyful moments for our children and their families. These resources help us tailor each and every experience to the needs and desires of our young patients.” Shop for Halloween and Support George Mark Children’s House This Halloween season, you can help bring more comfort, creativity, and joy to children at George Mark Children’s House while shopping for your favorite costumes, decorations, and seasonal accessories! Here’s how you can help: Shop in-store: Visit a participating Spirit Halloween location listed below, present the coupon, and receive 10% off your order. Spirit Halloween will contribute the 10% you save to George Mark (or the local partner hospital in other areas). Shop online: Visit SpiritHalloween.com and enter promo code HOPE26 at checkout. Share the opportunity: Share the coupon with friends and family so more people can participate. Participating Spirit Halloween stores supporting George Mark Children’s House: Clayton Road, Concord Concord Willows Monument Boulevard, Concord Dublin Hacienda Fremont Hub Southland Mall, Hayward Market Place, Manteca 580 Metro, Pleasanton Trinity, Stockton Weberstown, Stockton West Valley Mall, Tracy Forget about spooky; make this Halloween more meaningful! Every purchase at Spirit Halloween is an opportunity to help create positive, supportive experiences for children and families facing medical challenges. By shopping online or at a participating store, you can help Spirit of Children continue its important work. Share the coupon, spread the word, and help bring more moments of comfort and creativity to George Mark Children’s House families this Halloween!

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October 23, 2026

George Mark's Record-Setting Night

An Evening of Love & Lyrics Raises More Than $1.1 Million for George Mark Children's House Nearly 400 friends and supporters gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco on October 2 for George Mark Children's House 2026 gala, a celebration that became the most successful fundraising gala in the House's history. Together, our incredible community raised more than $1.1 million to support children and families who depend on George Mark Children’s House for compassionate pediatric palliative care. This was an unprecedented milestone for George Mark Children's House, and one for which we are profoundly grateful. Beyond the extraordinary generosity, what made the night especially meaningful were the stories shared by the families themselves. "This is our village," said George Mark Children’s House CEO Shekinah Eliassen, recognizing the families, staff, volunteers, and supporters who make the House's work possible. Shekinah, whose infant son Lars received end-of-life care at George Mark, spoke of the comfort and precious time they experienced as a family. Bereaved Mother and GMCH CEO Shekinah Eliassen George Mark Children’s House founder Dr. Kathy Hull reflected on the vision that inspired her to establish the House more than two decades ago. "Hope can be another good day, another conversation. Another memory." GMCH Founder Dr. Kathy Hull Celebrating families, making every moment matter Broadway star Miguel Cervantes, best known for his leading role in , joined his wife, Kelly Cervantes, in sharing their family's deeply personal journey. Their daughter, Adelaide, lived with severe epilepsy and other complex medical conditions before passing away just shy of her fourth birthday. Reflecting on the importance of compassionate care that allows families to focus on one another, Kelly told guests, "You walk through those doors and you are given time to be a family, to be together." Miguel Cervantes Kelly Cervantes Her words found a meaningful connection in the experience of longtime George Mark Children’s House patient Kaitlyn Heflin, who has lived with epilepsy since early childhood. Through years of medical challenges, Kaitlyn found more than specialized care at George Mark. She found friendships, creative opportunities, celebrations, and a second home where she could grow into the lovely young woman she is today. "Today I am much more than a person with epilepsy. I'm a daughter, a sister, a dancer, a writer, and a student preparing to be a preschool teacher," Kaitlyn proudly shared. Kaitlyn, GMCH Respite Care Patient Now pursuing her dreams as a writer, Kaitlyn also promised that the first signed copy of her book would find a home in the George Mark Children’s House library. Music brought another dimension to the celebration, with George Mark patient Jahiem Cochran singing alongside Miguel, while patient sibling Yasmeen Faruqui performed a song from , introduced by her younger sister Leena. Jahiem, GMCH Respite Care Patient Leena, GMCH Respite Care Patient Sibling Yasmeen, GMCH Respite Care Patient Sibling Honoring extraordinary community partners The evening also celebrated two remarkable supporters. Sheri Sobrato received the Heart of Philanthropy Award for her longstanding commitment to children and young people facing serious medical challenges. The Sanmina Corporation received the Corporate Philanthropy Partnership Award, recognizing eight years of steadfast support for George Mark Children’s House. At George Mark Children’s House, we call these Hummingbird Awards, given to those who have made a steadfast commitment to support children with serious medical conditions and their families through consistent and meaningful contributions. Dr. Kathy Hull and Sheri Sobrato Sanmina Corporation's Martina Sola and Shekinah Eliassen The power of a caring community As the nation's first freestanding pediatric palliative care and hospice home, George Mark Children’s House has spent more than two decades providing compassionate, family-centered care, always at no cost to families. "That's why nights like this matter, said Shekinah. “None of this would happen without the support of our community." The evening was a remarkable fundraising achievement and a celebration of the children, families, and community who have made George Mark what it is today. Perhaps Kathy expressed it best in her message to everyone gathered that evening: "Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for believing in hope." Thank you Our heartfelt thanks to all who attended this fun and memorable gala. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity, the sharing of personal stories, and our shared commitment to continue the critically important work that happens every day at George Mark Children’s House. VIEW PHOTOS FROM AN EVENING OF LOVE & LYRICS SUPPORT GEORGE MARK CHILDREN'S HOUSE

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October 15, 2026

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