Life Around the House

How to Leave a Legacy of Compassion

One of the things I love most about working at George Mark is meeting people who care deeply about making a difference — not just today, but for years to come. Every conversation I have with our donors reminds me that philanthropy is often about more than giving. It's about the values we want to pass on and the legacy we hope to leave behind. That's why I especially love Make-a-Will Month. August is Make-a-Will Month Creating or updating your estate plan is one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people and causes you love. It's an opportunity to ensure your wishes are known while also making a lasting investment in the future you want to help create. If you already have an estate plan, August is a wonderful time to dust it off and make sure it still reflects what matters most to you. And if creating a will has been sitting on your to-do list, I hope this month offers a gentle reminder to take that first step.   Join George Mark's Legacy Circle to help ensure generations of exceptional care. For those who choose to include George Mark Children's House in their plans, we've created the Heart & Hope Builders Legacy Circle -- a community of supporters whose generosity helps ensure that children with life-limiting illnesses and their families will continue to experience compassionate, and joyful care for generations to come. No matter the size of the gift, every legacy commitment helps sustain our extraordinary work into the future. And fortunately, joining the Legacy Circle can be as simple as: Including George Mark in your will or living trust Naming George Mark as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or donor-advised fund If you'd like to learn more about the Heart & Hope Builders Legacy Circle or simply have a conversation about the different ways to leave a legacy, I'd love to connect. It would be my privilege to help you explore how your values can continue making an impact for children and families long into the future. Warmly,   Michelle Collier Senior Director of Advancement To learn more about the Heart & Hope Builders Legacy Circle or to discuss planned giving options, please visit George Mark's planned giving page or contact our Advancement team at gmch@georgemark.org. We'd be honored to help you explore how your legacy can continue bringing comfort, joy, and hope to children and families for years to come.

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August 28, 2026

A George Mark Voice on the TEDx Stage

Joy in the Middle of Grief: Dr. Tasha Faruqui at TEDxUC San Diego Dr. Tasha Faruqui, a member of the George Mark Children’s House Board of Directors, recently took the TEDxUC San Diego stage to share a deeply personal story about her daughter, Soraya, and what their family has learned about living with both grief and joy. Tasha and her family first came to George Mark during a stop on her national book tour. What began as a meaningful family stay grew into a deeper connection with the House and, eventually, her service on the Board. Her TEDx talk, “Joy in the Middle of Grief,” explores what it means to keep living fully even when life is incredibly hard. We invite you to watch and hear her story in her own words. WATCH THE VIDEO

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August 11, 2026

George Mark in Get Griefy Magazine

Inside an Issue Created for Young People Navigating Grief George Mark Children’s House is featured in the new Kids Issue of  , a colorful and thoughtful resource created for young people navigating grief and the people who support them. Founder and editor Kera Sanchez created   following the unexpected death of her mother. What began as a personal legacy project has grown into an online and print magazine where people can find comfort, inspiration, and community. Its pages explore many forms of grief with honesty, creativity, and even moments of humor. Issue 9 was designed especially with kids in mind. It includes personal stories, activities, reflection prompts, and helpful conversations about grief. The George Mark feature offers readers a closer look at the compassionate care we provide to children with serious medical conditions and their families. The issue also has another meaningful George Mark connection. Its cover story features the family of our board member, Dr. Tasha Faruqui, as they share their personal story of love, loss, and life after loss. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE   CLICK  HERE TO ORDER THE PRINT VERSION

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August 5, 2026

Meet Our New Senior Director of Advancement

Welcoming Michelle Collier Helping Write the Next Chapter of George Mark Children’s House The moment you meet Michelle, it's easy to understand why she's devoted her career to serving others. She possesses the kind of warmth that instantly puts people at ease, plus a genuine smile, an empathetic spirit, and a quiet gift for making everyone feel seen. It’s no wonder that helping George Mark Children’s House is her new mission. With 17 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Michelle excels in guiding purpose-driven organizations. From major gifts and institutional giving to donor involvement and revenue strategy, she has spent nearly two decades finding new and better ways to raise money and to share stories that matter. Professional background and passionate leadership Michelle earned a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of San Francisco. Most recently she spent eight years advancing early literacy initiatives, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Now, as the new Senior Director of Advancement at George Mark Children’s House, Michelle brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal perspective. As the mother of a young daughter, she understands firsthand the hopes every parent carries for their child—and that connection makes the mission of George Mark Children’s House especially meaningful. Inspired by George Mark’s firm commitment to providing compassionate pediatric palliative, cancer, end-of-life, and respite care, Michelle is passionate about helping ensure more children and families receive the extraordinary support they deserve. A sit down with Michelle reveals her caring heart, high energy, and focus on continuing George Mark’s legacy With thankfulness, optimism, and a collaborative spirit, Michelle is excited to help write the next chapter of George Mark’s legacy and expand its impact for families throughout California and, ultimately, across the nation. Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to George Mark Children’s House? I've lived in Northern California for 26 years and have found my career in fundraising. I have 17 years of experience, including 10 years leading teams and raising funds to create positive change. I spent the last 8 years working for two organizations focused on early literacy because I believe reading is a critical skill for navigating the world. I was searching for my next opportunity when George Mark reached out to me for this role. What drew you to this role and to George Mark’s mission specifically? I became a parent for the first time 15 months ago, and my daughter Addie has changed my world. I want my daughter to have a full and joyful life. When I learned about George Mark Children’s House and the incredible experiences they create for their patients, along with the profound support they provide to families facing unimaginable hardship, the mission resonated deeply with me. I want to always be there for my daughter in the caring, passionate way that the George Mark staff show up for our patients and families.  What excites you most about stepping into this position? I've been working in children’s education and literacy for a long time, so this is a new and deeply meaningful role for me. It takes a special kind of person to work at a place like George Mark Children’s House, so the staff is incredible; I’ve never felt such a warm welcome into a new role. Are there goals or priorities you’re especially eager to pursue in your first year? We have a lot of money to raise! I’m eager to get to know the team, learn their strengths, and collaborate with them to develop our game plan for the year: what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how can we work together to tell the story of George Mark’s future. Is there a personal value or experience that shapes how you approach this work? Presence and gratitude — being present with colleagues, learning and listening, building genuine relationships with our wonderful donors and board members. Sharing the stories of gratitude for the existence of George Mark Children’s House and the families we serve. And then going home at the end of the day and being present with Addie, feeling deep gratitude that she is healthy and growing, and giving her everything she needs to feel supported and loved.   - Michelle Collier What do you see as the greatest opportunities ahead for George Mark Children’s House? We are doing some really exciting work. Not only is the organization firmly rooted in this incredible place, the House itself, but the House is a symbol for a critical piece of pediatric care that is currently missing from the medical system in the United States. We have a great opportunity to expand that story and become a national model, and a connector for the continuum of care for children and their families. What would you like the George Mark Children’s House community and families to know about you? I’m grateful to be here. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in making this mission happen, and I’m excited to work alongside such an inspiring community of people who are doing something that almost no one else is. Outside of work, what do you enjoy? With my daughter, it’s currently going to the park, playing with toys, and learning to walk - this is probably most of my waking hours outside of work at this stage of my life. But generally, I love to exercise, mostly running and hiking. I love to read good books, eat good food, and go out to the amazing restaurants we have here in the Bay Area. I also love baking and sewing.

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July 30, 2026

A National Spotlight on George Mark Children’s House

A Message from CEO Shekinah Eliassen Dear George Mark Community, When USA TODAY reporter Madeline Mitchell flew out  from New York to stay at George Mark Children’s House, she came to listen, learn, and better understand what makes this House so special. She spent time with our families, met our children and young adults, talked with our care team and staff, and experienced the love, joy, compassion, and connection that fill these halls every day. At its heart, this story is about the extraordinary children and families we are honored to serve and the dedicated team who make those moments possible. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that every family facing a life-limiting illness deserves access to this kind of compassionate care. For more than 20 years, we’ve seen the difference pediatric palliative and respite care can make. We’ve seen children laugh, siblings play, parents catch their breath, and families create precious memories together. Those moments matter, and they remind us why this work is so important. We're deeply grateful that this story shines a national spotlight on pediatric palliative and respite care at a time when more families than ever need these services. Our hope is that it broadens awareness of this compassionate model of care, encourages communities across the country to reimagine what’s possible for children with life-limiting illnesses, and inspires the expansion of pediatric palliative and respite care so that every family has access to the support they deserve.    - Shekinah Eliassen I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read the story and share it with others. Every person who learns about George Mark Children’s House helps us reach another family, another healthcare provider, another advocate, and another community that may one day benefit from this kind of care. If you’d like to help us build on this moment, here are a few ways you can make a difference: Share the article with your family, friends, colleagues, or on social media.  Visit the House. We offer tours throughout the summer and fall, and we'd love to welcome you. To schedule a visit, please email info@georgemark.org. Join us at our Annual Autumn Celebration on Friday, October 2, in San Francisco, as we celebrate our community and raise critical support for the children and families we serve.   I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the families who so generously shared their stories. Their courage, openness, and love are at the heart of this article, and we’re honored that they trusted us—and USA TODAY—to help tell them. To our donors, volunteers, healthcare partners, staff, and friends: thank you. Because of your generosity, children experience joy, families find moments of rest, and parents know they are never walking this journey alone. Together, we can build a future where every family facing a life-limiting illness has access to the same compassionate, family-centered care that has been the heart of George Mark Children’s House since we opened as the nation’s first freestanding pediatric palliative and respite care home more than 20 years ago. With gratitude, Shekinah Eliassen Chief Executive Officer George Mark Children’s House

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July 22, 2026

George Mark Featured in USA TODAY

Bringing Pediatric Palliative Care into the National Conversation USA TODAY has featured George Mark Children’s House in a national story on pediatric respite, end-of-life support, and the families who need this kind of care. The article shares the experiences of Daniel, Paul, Abi, and their loved ones while helping more people understand what pediatric palliative care can mean for the whole family. We are grateful to USA TODAY, reporter Madeline Mitchell, and the families who shared their stories with such honesty and generosity. READ THE USA TODAY ARTICLE

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July 20, 2026

Ken Sommer: 15 Years of Service

With Gratitude: Honoring Ken Sommer and His Years of Service For more than 15 years, Ken Sommer has been part of the very heart of the George Mark Children's House family. With his gentle leadership, boundless compassion, and a devotion to our mission that has never wavered, Ken helped assure that countless children and families felt held—cared for, comforted, and supported—through some of life's hardest moments. As Ken steps into this next chapter, our hearts are full of gratitude for the warmth, vision, and kindness he has poured into our community. His legacy lives on in the strong George Mark he helped build—and even more so in the many, many lives he has touched along the way. Before he says goodbye, we asked Ken to look back on his years at George Mark Children's House. Here are the moments that helped shaped him and his hopes for the future of this place he loves so dearly. When you look back on your time at George Mark Children's House, what are you most proud of? I’ve spent 15 ½ years at George Mark – almost a quarter of my life and more than a third of my professional career – and it is truly the best job I ever had.  I am proud of many things during my tenure: leading the Advancement teams that raised over $72 million, reducing organizational debt from $9 million to $2 million,  funding the completion of our new Palliative Aquatics Spa and the first phases of our All-Abilities Playground, and helping launch our Cancer Care Program. But more than anything, I feel that I helped George Mark move toward sustainability, and in doing so, I contributed in some small way to making life a bit better and brighter for the patients and families we serve. What first drew you to George Mark and what kept you committed to the mission over the years? The father of my son’s friend was the President of the George Mark Children’s House Board of Directors. He suggested that I interview for the Director of Advancement role. Around two weeks into my tenure I was feeling the weight of our mission and questioned whether George Mark was the right place for me. Later that day I got to witness some of the magic that takes place at George Mark every day. A family whose son had just died was completely held up and supported by our loving and compassionate team. I knew then that I was in exactly the right place. The work of our incredible team was a daily reminder that I was where I was meant to be. Is there a particular child, family, or moment that captures what makes George Mark Children’s House so special? During my time here I was blessed to get to know many of our kids and families and each touched me personally. One that stands out is a teenaged girl who attended a dance party hosted by our team. At the end of the evening I overheard her talking to her mom as they were leaving. “Mom,” she said, “that was the best night of my whole life.” I still get chills every time I remember that moment. How has George Mark Children’s House changed during your tenure? A lot! I started three months after we reopened from a six-month closure, during which time a serious restructuring took place in an effort to make the organization sustainable. Those were challenging times for George Mark. There were very real questions about whether the organization would survive. I am so proud that George Mark Children’s House is well on its way to financial sustainability. More importantly, we are truly fulfilling our mission of serving kids and families who need our support, having doubled our average patient census over the last three years. What accomplishment or milestone do you believe will have the greatest lasting impact on the organization? For me in my role, the accomplishment that will have the greatest lasting impact is helping George Mark Children’s House move closer to long-term institutional sustainability. Over the years, I have had the privilege of building and nurturing meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners whose generosity has helped strengthen our financial foundation. Those relationships have resulted not only in significant philanthropic support, but also in a community of advocates who believe deeply in our mission and will continue to sustain and advance the organization for years to come. What have the children and families of George Mark Children’s House taught you personally? The children and families we serve are my heroes. They face challenges that most of us can scarcely imagine, yet they navigate each day with remarkable courage, grace, and resilience. Their strength and spirit inspire me every day. One of my favorite patients – okay, we’re not supposed to have favorites but still – has a personal motto: “Love life!” I often think of this when I’m having a tough day.    - Ken Sommer What has surprised you the most about this work? Although sad things sometimes happen at George Mark Children’s House, it is not a sad place. It’s filled with laughter and joy and to quote our former Medical Director Dr. Joan Fisher, “It’s where families come to live.” It’s a place where daily occurrences might include a visit from a professional athlete, a Star Wars character, a princess, or a miniature horse. It’s where music fills the halls and art is created daily. How would you describe the George Mark Children’s House culture to someone who has never visited? George Mark fosters a culture built around love and support, where our incredible team walks the journey with our families, holding them up and supporting them in every way imaginable. As you prepare to leave, what are your hopes for the future of our organization? On a practical level, I hope that George Mark Children’s House succeeds in retiring the remainder of its long-term debt and secures the remaining funds to complete the All-Abilities Playground. Additionally, I hope that George Mark gets the local, regional, and national recognition it deserves as a pioneer in pediatric palliative care, and the first pediatric palliative care home in the U.S. What message would you like to share with the staff, volunteers, donors, and community who have supported George Mark Children’s House throughout your journey? To the staff, volunteers, and especially to our families, you made me a better person. I learned from you every day. To the donors and broader George Mark community, thank you for believing in this incredible mission and supporting the children and families who need our care. We couldn’t do it without you! What's next for you? I’m calling this “small R retirement.” Although I am nearing retirement age and have a younger son just finishing his first year of college, I’m not quite there yet. I hope to continue working for another year or two in another mission-driven organization, but one that is closer to my home in Davis. The three to five hours I spend on the road has gotten old! Looking back, how would you like your chapter at George Mark Children’s House to be remembered? That I had a role in helping George Mark be in a better place than when I started and that I was a caring and supportive member of the team.

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June 29, 2026

George Mark Champions Respite Care at Harvard

George Mark Children's House Joins National Leaders at Harvard to Champion Respite Care George Mark Children's House CEO Shekinah Eliassen and Medical Director Dr. Tom McNalley recently had the honor representing GMCH at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Held June 15 and 16, the the summit, Rethinking Respite for Mothers of Children with Medical Complexity, brought together researchers, caregivers, healthcare leaders, and advocates for powerful conversations about the importance of respite care. The conversations were powerful, but one message stood out above all: caring for a child with complex medical needs means caring for the whole family. Parents and caregivers are often the unsung heroes of their child's care team.  They are there through sleepless nights, medical appointments, emergencies, and the countless moments in between. They give so much of themselves because they love their children. But even heroes need rest. Respite care is focused on giving families the opportunity to breathe, reconnect, and find the strength to continue the incredible work they do every day. When caregivers are supported, children thrive, siblings get the attention they need and crave, and families are better able to create joyful moments together.    - Shekinah Eliassen, GMCH CEO and Bereaved Mom "It was an incredible privilege to represent George Mark Children's House and learn alongside so many people dedicated to improving the lives of caregiving families," Shekinah said. "The conversations left us inspired and even more committed to ensuring every family has access to the care and support they deserve." We are deeply grateful to Dr. Amy Porter, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, and everyone who helped create such a thoughtful and inspiring gathering. Together, we can continue building a future where no caregiving family has to carry the weight alone. Thank you to every family who trusts us, every donor who makes this work possible, and every advocate who believes that caring for caregivers is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

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June 25, 2026
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