Life Around the House

The Heart of the Night

Miguel Cervantes Reflects on a Record-Setting Night for George Mark Following George Mark Children’s House’s record-setting 2026 fundraising gala, which raised more than $1 million in support of children and families, Broadway star Miguel Cervantes joined KRON4’s Stephanie Lin to reflect on an evening that was deeply personal for him and his wife, Kelly. Miguel shared how their family’s own experience caring for their daughter Adelaide — including hospice care at the end of her life — gave them an immediate connection to George Mark’s mission. He spoke about the importance of giving parents the chance to simply be parents, rather than always being caregivers, and why respite and hospice care can be such a meaningful gift to families. WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW He also reflected on one of the most memorable parts of the gala: sharing the stage with young people from the George Mark community. Miguel described them as the “real stars” of the evening, recalling the joy of performing alongside Jahiem and Yasmeen and seeing the room come together in celebration. Watch Miguel Cervantes’ full conversationwith Stephanie Lin on KRON4 to hear more about his family’s connection to George Mark Children’s House, the impact of its care, and his experience at An Evening of Love & Lyrics.

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October 5, 2026

An Evening of Love & Lyrics on KTVU

Miguel Cervantes and Shekinah Eliassen Preview   on KTVU   star Miguel Cervantes and George Mark Children’s House CEO Shekinah Eliassen joined Alex Savidge on KTVU FOX 2’s   for a heartfelt conversation about pediatric palliative care, the families George Mark serves, and the personal connection Miguel and his wife, Kelly, have to the mission. During the interview, Miguel spoke movingly about his daughter, Adelaide, who lived with severe epilepsy before her death in 2019. He reflected especially on the enormous responsibility carried by parents and caregivers of children with serious medical conditions. “Caregivers… they are heroic,” Miguel shared, recalling how Kelly managed Adelaide’s medications, therapies and daily care while he was performing onstage in  . He and Kelly have since channeled their grief into supporting organizations that care for children and families facing similar journeys. Shekinah shared how meaningful it was to welcome Miguel and Kelly into the George Mark community, including having children from George Mark share the stage with Miguel as part of the organization’s annual fundraising gala,  . “We have two children from George Mark performing with Miguel,” she said. “It’s going to be a life-changing experience for them and for our whole community.” The conversation also highlighted the essential role philanthropy plays at George Mark. As the first pediatric palliative care center of its kind in the country, George Mark provides respite and end-of-life care while ensuring that families never receive a bill for services. For Miguel, the opportunity was ultimately about putting the children in the spotlight. Asked about performing alongside George Mark patients, he playfully borrowed a line familiar to   fans: “I am not throwing away my shot.” “I’m happy to take a back seat to these stars of the show,” Miguel said. Perhaps the most powerful moment of the conversation came as Miguel described what palliative and respite care can give families: the chance to temporarily set aside the schedules, medications and constant responsibilities of caregiving and simply be together. “You get to step back away from that role and be mom again, and be dad again, and be a parent, and just hold your child,” he said. This year’s   is sold out, but the opportunity to support the children and families of George Mark Children’s House continues. Even if you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of the evening’s purpose by making a donation in support of the compassionate care we provide to families at no cost. MAKE A DONATION

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October 2, 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

KTVU Spotlights Inclusive Play at George Mark

A Playground Where Every Child Belongs Thank you to KTVU FOX 2 and Cristina Rendon for sharing the story of George Mark Children’s House's new all abilities playground. The report featured Monifa Thomas and her daughters, Kayla and Londyn, whose experience beautifully illustrates why this project matters. Kayla, a George Mark respite care patient with cerebral palsy, was able to enjoy the playground's wheelchair accessible swing alongside her sister. Londyn, who participates in our Sibshop program, shared in a moment of play that many families of children with complex medical needs do not often get to experience together. The story also highlighted the vision behind the playground through Kyle Amsler, Child Life Specialist at George Mark Children's House and the driving force behind the project. Years in the making, the all abilities playground was designed to ensure that children of all abilities can play, explore, and belong. As CEO Shekinah Eliassen noted in the report, too many medically fragile children find themselves watching from the sidelines. This playground is a response to that reality, creating a place where every child can participate, connect, and experience the joy of play. READ THE REPORT AND WATCH THE VIDEO The playground is already creating magical moments, but the dream is not yet complete. With $850,000 more in funding, we can bring the full vision to life and create an even more welcoming, inclusive space for every child and family we serve. https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/6ae00d93-85b0-4466-b01b-797e53c5a689 SUPPORT THE PLAYGROUND PROJECT

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June 5, 2026

A Special Report on the Betty Higgins Aquatic Center

[FOX2 - KTVU: New at 10 with Cristina Rendon] Cristina Rendon Highlights Healing and Hope at George Mark’s New Aquatic Center We’re so grateful to our friend Cristina Rendon for sharing the story of our new Betty Higgins Pediatric Palliative Aquatic Center. Her thoughtful report beautifully captures the healing energy of this space and the dedication of our team. Thank you, Cristina, for helping us show what makes George Mark Children’s House so special. READ CRISTINA RENDON'S FULL REPORT

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October 26, 2025

A Special Report on the Betty Higgins Aquatic Center

[KPIX: CBS News Bay Area With Juliette Goodrich] Juliette Goodrich Showcases GMCH’s New Aquatic Center Emmy Award-winning reporter and Bay Area native Juliette Goodrich reports on the new Betty Higgins Palliative Aquatic Center at GMCH.

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September 24, 2025

Kathy Hull Receives Honorary Doctorate

Honoring Dr. Kathy Hull at Santa Clara University In early summer, Santa Clara University awarded Dr. Kathy Hull an Honorary Doctorate during the commencement ceremony for the Graduate School of Counseling Psychology and Education. Dr. Hull, who earned her Master’s degree from Santa Clara in 1980, was celebrated for her decades of service as the Founder of George Mark Children’s House. In her address to the graduating class, she spoke about the values that guide her work — possibility, curiosity, and hope — and encouraged students to step forward with courage and compassion in their chosen paths. For more than 20 years, George Mark has provided a place of comfort, dignity, and love for children with serious illnesses and their families. This honorary degree highlights not only Dr. Hull’s vision, but also the lasting impact of George Mark’s mission in the community. Click to read the entire Piedmont Post article. CLICK HERE TO READ THE PIEDMONT POST ARTICLE

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September 10, 2025

Bay Area Couture Dresses Benefit GMCH

[KPIX Bay Area News Bay Area] Bay Area couture designer's dresses being auctioned for children's benefit Loureen Ayyoub reports on designer Lily Samii auctioning gowns from her private collection for a children's palliative care center. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE NEWS SEGMENT

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August 27, 2025
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