Latest News & Events - George Mark Children's House

Life Around the House

A Dream in Blue Came True

A Big Wish, a Blue Blur, and One Unforgettable Hug For years, Kali had one big wish: to meet Sonic the Hedgehog. That wish came true in early June, when Sonic visited George Mark Children’s House with SEGA of America Community Director Sean Allen for a day filled with music, drawings, Sonic swag, and one unforgettable hug. Kali, who lives with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, has been coming to George Mark as a respite care patient. During her stays, she has taken part in the many Child Life experiences that help make the House feel warm, playful, and personal. She has created art, enjoyed visits from miniature horses through SonRise Equestrian Foundation, sung along with visiting princesses, and even performed for characters from a galaxy far, far away. But her longtime wish was to meet her favorite blue blur. A longtime Sonic superfan, Kali was ready for the moment. During the visit, she gifted Sonic a hand drawn picture she had made for him, sang songs, and received Sonic items picked out just for her. The visit ended with a big hug. SEGA of America later shared on LinkedIn that the visit was “a memorable day” and that the impact was “deeply felt on both sides.” That is the kind of day Child Life helps create at George Mark. Not a break from who a child is, but a chance to bring more of who they are into the House. “Child Life is about creating opportunities for children to feel like themselves,” said Kyle Amsler, Child Life Specialist at George Mark Children’s House. “For Kali, meeting Sonic was not just a fun surprise. It was a chance to connect with something she loves and to have a day that felt fully hers.” Kyle worked closely behind the scenes to help make the visit feel personal to Kali. From coordinating the details to making sure the experience reflected Kali’s love for Sonic, the goal was simple: create a day that felt thoughtful, joyful, and true to her. “When we can help bring a child’s interest or dream into the House, it changes the energy of the day,” Kyle said. “It gives the child and family a memory that is not centered on illness. It is centered on who they are, what they love, and what makes them light up.” The timing made the visit feel even more fitting. Sonic’s birthday is celebrated on June 23, making his early visit a wonderful way to bring some extra birthday spirit to the House. Sonic may be known for speed, but this was a moment worth slowing down for. For Kali and her family, it was a day filled with music, creativity, connection, and one very memorable hug.

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June 23, 2026

A Playground for Every Child

Kayla’s Dream Playground Comes to Life at George Mark For 10-year-old Kayla Thomas and her sister Londyn, a playground has not always been a place where they could play together. Kayla, a George Mark Children’s House respite care patient, has cerebral palsy and seizure disorder and uses a G tube. Since first coming to George Mark in October 2024, she has become part of the life of the House, enjoying pet therapy, spa treatments, music, and time with the nurses, staff, and volunteers who have come to know her well. But for Kayla and 12-year-old Londyn, one wish stood out. They wanted a place they could share. This spring, that wish came true with the opening of George Mark’s new all abilities playground, a long hoped for space designed so children with serious medical conditions can play alongside their siblings, parents, caregivers, nurses, and friends. On one bright day in the new play space, Kayla was there with Londyn and their mom, Monifa, joined by other George Mark patients, nurses, staff, and volunteers. Some children moved through the playground in wheelchairs, explored the installations, or simply took in the moment from where they were. The merry go round became a favorite almost immediately. The accessible swing gave Kayla a chance to swing alongside her sister and mom. Around them, the usual rhythms of George Mark care continued, but now with something new in the middle of it all: a place designed so children with serious medical conditions could be part of the play, not just near it. “It feels amazing,” Londyn said. “With her disability, it is hard to play on a normal playground. It feels really nice to see her play.” For Monifa, watching her daughters share that moment was emotional. “It makes me emotional,” she said. “Londyn is a really good big sister. Kayla loves it here.” For years, a traditional play structure sat just outside the House. It was beautiful and familiar, but it was not built for children who use wheelchairs, medical equipment, or need a more accessible environment. For many patients, it was a place they could see, but not fully use. That is what George Mark Child Life Coordinator Kyle Amsler hoped to change. “We began to dream of a space where every child and every family could come to George Mark and play together,” Kyle said. As the project’s primary champion, Kyle helped guide the vision for a play space that would go beyond standard accessibility. The playground includes equipment designed for children who use wheelchairs or walkers, children who cannot leave their hospital beds, and children who run, climb, and explore on their own two feet. The We Go Swing allows a child in a wheelchair to roll right onto the swing, while a sibling, parent, or friend can sit nearby and swing with them. The We Go Round, a wheelchair accessible merry go round, gives children the chance to spin, laugh, and take in the outdoors together. Future features will make the space even more complete, including additional shade, raised planter beds, a wheelchair accessible amphitheater, and a magical laser harp that will allow children to create music using their hands, wheelchairs, or hospital beds. For Shekinah Eliassen, George Mark CEO, the playground reflects the heart of George Mark’s mission. “A lot of these kids sit on the sidelines, whether they are in their wheelchairs or they are in their hospital beds,” Shekinah said. “Our goal at George Mark is to make sure that kids have really fulfilling, heartfelt, joyful experiences.” The playground, she added, is “the embodiment of that, bringing joy and fun and play and inclusivity to kids who deserve it.” The new play space is already doing what it was designed to do. It is bringing children outside. It is giving siblings a way to play together. It is giving parents a chance to watch their children experience something that once felt out of reach. It is giving nurses, staff, and volunteers another way to support whole child and whole family care. Shekinah Eliassen - George Mark CEO Still, the playground is not finished. George Mark has opened the second phase of the project, but additional support is needed to complete the full vision. Remaining elements include shade, which is especially important for children with serious illnesses and heat sensitivity, as well as more landscaping, raised planter beds, the laser harp, and the amphitheater. For families like Kayla and Londyn’s, this playground is not a nice extra. It is the difference between watching from the sidelines and finally being able to play together. Kayla’s dream helped bring this story to life. Now, with your support, we can complete a playground where every child can play, every sibling can join in, and every family can share moments that once felt out of reach. Help complete the All-Abilities playground! https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/6ae00d93-85b0-4466-b01b-797e53c5a689 DONATE TO OUR PLAYGROUND PROJECT

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June 18, 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 Record Year for Mr. Amador

Mr. Amador Show raises $121,000 for George Mark! Amador Valley High School’s beloved Mr. Amador tradition once again brought creativity, heart, and community spirit to the stage, raising an incredible $121,218 in support of George Mark Children’s House. The 2026 Mr. Amador Show celebrated the world of movie genres, with students bringing months of rehearsal, fundraising, and teamwork to a high energy performance. Senior TJ Chandler, whose theme was “Mr. Western,” was crowned Mr. Amador 2026. More than a school performance, Mr. Amador has become one of the East Bay’s most meaningful student led fundraisers. Each year, Amador Valley students, families, and supporters come together to help children and families facing serious medical challenges. For TJ Chandler, the Amador Valley High School senior crowned Mr. Amador 2026, the experience was both fun and deeply meaningful. “Mr. Amador has been an awesome experience for me, giving me an opportunity to help others,” said Chandler. “I had a blast learning all the dances and performing in front of the school, but what really has stuck with me is the friendships I have made along the way. It has been amazing getting to know all of the guys and building bonds that will last beyond the show.” A visit to George Mark Children’s House helped bring the mission into focus for TJ Chandler. “I distinctly remember visiting the house and immediately knowing that this was an important cause and that I could truly help these families with my contributions,” Chandler said. “This has been an amazing opportunity and definitely my favorite part of high school!” Funds raised through Mr. Amador help support the compassionate care and services provided by George Mark Children’s House, where families never receive a bill for care. GMCH provides pediatric palliative, respite, cancer, and end of life care for children and young adults with serious illnesses. “This event continues to demonstrate the extraordinary compassion and leadership of Amador Valley students,” said Shekinah Eliassen, CEO at George Mark Children’s House. “The dedication, creativity, and generosity behind Mr. Amador make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve.” Center: Mr. Amador Directors Nathan Marek, Isabel Lim, and Sophie Hansen with their advisers and GMCH representative. George Mark Children’s House extends heartfelt thanks to TJ Chandler, all of the Mr. Amador participants, the dedicated Mr. Amador crew and committee members, and the entire Amador Valley High School community for their remarkable generosity and support. A special thank you goes to Mr. Amador Directors Nathan Marek, Isabel Lim, and Sophie Hansen, whose hard work, leadership, and steady guidance helped steer this year’s group to a fundraising height never reached before. We are also deeply grateful to their incredibly supportive advisers, whose encouragement, mentorship, and behind the scenes care helped make this record breaking year possible.

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May 25, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: George Mark Welcomes Dr. Tasha Faruqui to Its Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE George Mark Children’s House Welcomes Dr. Tasha Faruqui to Its Board of Directors SAN LEANDRO, Calif., May 22, 2026 — A pediatrician, speaker, advocate, and author of the bestseller (Jossey-Bass, 2025), Dr. Faruqui brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to her new role. Inspired by her father, a physician serving an underserved rural community, Dr. Faruqui joined the National Health Service Corps after medical school. Her perspective shifted profoundly after the birth of her daughter, Soraya, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Today, Dr. Faruqui is a nationally recognized advocate for parents of medically complex children and families experiencing anticipatory grief. She regularly shares her message of hope and resilience at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Make-A-Wish events, and through her social platform, @thefaruqui5. She was named a Top Doctor by Cincinnati Magazine in 2022, 2024, and 2025. “I joined the board of George Mark Children’s House because when our daughter, Soraya, and our whole family stayed at George Mark Children’s House in October 2025, I witnessed firsthand how life-changing this kind of care can be,” said Dr. Faruqui. “I want to help spread awareness so more physicians and families know compassionate, joy-filled pediatric palliative care exists—and that it is possible.” As the first freestanding pediatric palliative care home in the United States, George Mark Children’s House has spent more than two decades providing compassionate medical care, respite, and support for children with serious illnesses and their families — at no cost to families. “Dr. Faruqui’s voice, experience, and advocacy are incredibly powerful,” said Shekinah Eliassen, CEO of George Mark Children’s House. “She understands both the clinical and emotional realities families face, and her passion for ensuring families feel seen, supported, and hopeful aligns beautifully with our mission.” Dr. Faruqui’s appointment comes as George Mark Children’s House continues to expand awareness of pediatric palliative care and advance innovative family-centered programming, including its new aquatic therapy centre and all-abilities playground. For more information about George Mark Children’s House, visit George Mark Children’s House. To learn more about Dr. Tasha Faruqui, visit Dr. Tasha Faruqui.

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May 22, 2026

Reflections for Nurses Month

Every Moment, Every Heart George Mark Nurses You’ve heard that nursing is work of the heart, that nurses are superheroes without capes, that not all angels have wings (some wear scrubs). You’ve learned that it is actually not a “doctor’s” stethoscope, that nursing is the most trusted profession, and that nurses are considered the heart of healthcare. Antoinette Mincey, RN In pediatric palliative care, we hold tiny hands and tickle tiny toes. We captivate little hearts and coddle big feelings. We hold families with compassion and within a different frame of hope. At George Mark Children’s House, our nursing staff are the heart of the House. They live the mission to serve families in need and walk alongside them during their child’s journey. We don’t cure, but we carry. We don’t heal, but we nurture. We don’t count days, but we create moments. We can’t change the outcome, but we can help guide the journey. The focus is comfort, and the work is all heart. It takes a special individual to be a nurse at George Mark Children’s House. Each and every one has a passion to do this challenging yet fulfilling, difficult yet incredible, emotional yet amazing work. We are deeply grateful for every nurse and CNA who, on every shift, every hour, and in every moment, makes a difference for our children and their families. Veronica Bitz, RN, is one of the nurses who brings this work to life at George Mark. She comes to GMCH with a wealth of knowledge and nursing experience, and she gives her all to our children and their families. Her work reflects what nursing means here: kindness and humility, compassion and presence, and the sacred responsibility of being there when that final breath is taken. At a recent George Mark board meeting, Veronica shared a mission moment that beautifully reflects the heart of this work. Her words offer a glimpse into what it means to care for children and families at George Mark, in both moments of respite and moments of goodbye. Veronica Bitz, RN A Mission Moment from Veronica Bitz, RN Hi, everyone. My name is Veronica Bitz, and I’m a bedside nurse here at George Mark. Previously, I worked at Children’s Hospital Oakland for about ten years. I spent time in the pediatric intensive care unit, med surg, the patient safety department, and taught nursing students as a clinical instructor. After deciding the hospital was not quite the right environment for me and after taking almost a year off, I answered a job listing for George Mark. Before my interview was over, I knew this was the right place to be. I knew this place was special. One of my requirements was that I wanted to work in a place where everyone is committed. Where people care about the work we do and want to be here. I am so grateful to work in an environment where this is very much the case, from the clinical staff to housekeeping to leadership. I know that everyone takes pride in what we do and that we are always aiming to achieve our mission. We get to do that every day with our respite patients. I’ll never forget one of our sweet patients who has such a silly personality and the biggest laugh. When he first started coming to the House, his parents shared that they had not been on a vacation alone as a couple since their child was born, more than twenty years prior. I am so glad we were able to provide them some time away. And I feel so honored that parents like these trust us to care for their medically complex children. We also provide compassionate care and enhance quality of life even when we are dealing with death. Last year, a young woman with cancer came to the House for end of life care. She had been in the hospital for months. When she arrived at George Mark, it seemed she had a little burst of energy. Some of her best friends flew into California, and she had a slumber party with them in the suite. She spent time with her parents, twin sister, older brother, older sister, and family dogs. She enjoyed a trip to the beach with her family. She had always been an outdoor girl. She experienced baby monkeys and bearded dragons. But she declined rapidly over just a few days. On her last day, we wheeled her outside on her bed so she could get some sunshine. We made sure she was comfortable. I let her family know that, though she was no longer responsive, she could still feel their love through their presence, their voices, and their gentle touch. She died peacefully that afternoon with the sun on her face, the calming sound of the water fountain, a beloved dog at her feet, and surrounded by the people who loved her so, so fiercely. I let her family know that it was a privilege to witness the amount of love and care they had for their daughter, for their sister. When I asked if they were interested in doing the tea bath, the patient’s twin looked toward her older sister and said that it would be their “one final act of care.” It was heartbreakingly beautiful, and it was an honor to be by their side during these moments. Each day, we serve children and their families. Some days feel joyful and easier, and other days are challenging and tearful. But it is always, always meaningful. I am so grateful to be a part of such a special place.

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May 20, 2026

NEWS RELEASE: GMCH Welcomes Michael Martinson to Its Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE George Mark Children’s House Welcomes Michael Martinson to Its Board of Directors San Leandro, CA — May 14, 2026 — George Mark Children's House, the nation’s first freestanding pediatric palliative care home, proudly announces the appointment of Michael Martinson, Chief Financial Officer of Ambry Genetics Corporation, to its Board of Directors. An accomplished financial executive and Board Director, Martinson brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience, including 14 years in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Throughout his career, he has led transformative financial strategies, major mergers and acquisitions, operational improvements, and organizational growth initiatives in highly complex healthcare environments. “Having dedicated much of my professional career to healthcare, I have remained deeply committed to improving care for patients and their families,” said Martinson. “When I was first introduced to George Mark Children’s House, I was immediately moved to learn more about its mission and the extraordinary compassion at the heart of its work. Hearing the stories of the children and families they serve inspired me to contribute in a meaningful way. I am honored to bring my experience, perspective, and collaborative spirit to support the Board and staff, and to help advance the organization’s mission in a way that ensures a strong and sustainable future.” “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the Board of Directors,” said Shekinah Eliassen, CEO of George Mark Children’s House. “His exceptional financial expertise, strategic leadership, and longstanding commitment to healthcare innovation will be invaluable as we continue expanding our impact and advancing our mission to provide respite services, cancer care, and end-of-life support to medically fragile children—always at no cost to the families.” George Mark Children’s House provides pediatric palliative, respite, cancer and end-of-life care to children and young adults with serious medical conditions, while offering comprehensive support services for their families. For more information, visit georgemark.org

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May 14, 2026

Team GMCH Hit the Parade Route

George Mark Joins the Castro Valley Parade Fun There is something special about a hometown parade. The waving families, decorated vehicles, music, local groups, and friendly faces all come together to create a feeling that is simple, joyful, and full of community pride. This year, Team GMCH was proud to be part of that spirit at the Castro Valley History Festival and Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade. The event brings the community together along Castro Valley Boulevard to celebrate local history, hometown traditions, and the area’s ranching and equestrian heritage. The parade is part of the broader Rowell Ranch Rodeo celebration, a long standing Castro Valley tradition that honors the region’s Western roots and brings neighbors together year after year. Staff members and their kiddos proudly represented George Mark Children’s House along the parade route, joining the lively mix of floats, community organizations, families, horses, and local supporters. From our cheerful truck display to bubbles, smiles, and plenty of friendly waves. We loved being out there with our neighbors, sharing smiles and celebrating a tradition that means so much to Castro Valley. Being out in the community matters to us. It gives us a chance to connect with families, celebrate the place we call home, and remind our neighbors that George Mark Children’s House is part of this larger circle of care and support. A big thank you to everyone who waved hello, cheered us on, and helped make the day feel so special. We loved being part of this wonderful Castro Valley tradition and look forward to many more moments out in the community.

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May 13, 2026

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