The Fisher House and the Journey of Two Siblings

Crystal, a medical professional and older sister, was out of state when she received an emergency call about her younger brother, Cory. He had experienced a seizure, fallen, and sustained a neck fracture at their home in Marina, California. At the time, Cory had been on a phone call with his partner, who was overseas. She had heard the fall and his difficulty breathing before the call disconnected. Unable to reach him again, the partner contacted a friend of Cory’s, who went to the house and initiated contact with emergency responders. Access to the home was delayed due to locked doors. Crystal, monitoring the situation through security cameras, observed the events remotely. First responders were eventually able to reach Cory to provide aid.

By the time EMS reached Cory, he was unresponsive. He was rushed to a hospital in Salinas, California, where he underwent emergency spinal surgery. As soon as she could, Crystal traveled to be by his side. The outlook was uncertain, and when a second surgery was proposed, Crystal, relying on her medical knowledge, hesitated.

Reflecting on the moment, Crystal shared, "You know, when it hits close to home and you're in the medical profession, it's not a good thing. Everything you learn and everything you practice or everything you hold dear to you, it goes out the window. Now it's reality. So, when that occurred, this doctor was talking to my brother about this surgery, and all I can hear is 50-50."

Although intubated, Cory was fully aware of the gravity of the situation. He understood the risks, the urgency, and the emotional toll it was taking on his sister. In that moment, he made the decision himself, nodding in agreement with the neurosurgeons. It was a quiet but powerful act of strength, showing not only his determination to fight, but also his desire to ease the burden on Crystal, who had been carrying so much.

Following the procedure, Crystal received a call letting her know the surgery had gone well – Cory could now feel and move. That second operation marked a turning point in his recovery. But the road ahead was difficult. Cory had to be placed on a ventilator three times, had surgery to help him breathe, and needed both a feeding tube and a catheter. Each step brought new challenges, and the path to healing was long and uncertain. Still, Cory stayed focused on getting better and never wanted to place his struggles on others. His quiet strength, along with Crystal’s constant support, helped them through the hardest moments as they began the long journey toward healing together.

When Cory asked to transfer to VA Palo Alto health care for rehabilitation, Crystal was hesitant at first. He was stable, and moving him felt like a risk. But Cory had heard about the exceptional care at VA Palo Alto, especially the physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs, as well as the strong sense of community among fellow Veterans. He was determined to be there. Once they arrived, it quickly became clear that the environment, resources, and support – for both Cory and Crystal – were exactly what they needed at that stage of his recovery.

In addition to the clinical care Cory was receiving, the support Crystal found at the Fisher House played a vital role in their journey. Located just steps from the main hospital, the Fisher House allowed Crystal to stay close — she could walk out the front door and be at her brother’s bedside within minutes. More than just a place to sleep, it gave her the stability and space to actively support his recovery. A firm believer in food as medicine, she used the shared kitchen to prepare meals tailored to Cory’s nutritional needs. Soft, high-protein dishes helped him regain strength, while the simple act of cooking brought a sense of routine and comfort to them both during an otherwise uncertain time.

“Food is medicine,” Crystal says. “Cooking for Cory gave me a way to contribute to his recovery, to feel like I was doing something tangible.”

Cory approached therapy with focus and determination, gradually rebuilding his strength. Through speech and physical therapy, he regained the ability to eat, speak, and move, each milestone marking meaningful progress. Crystal became his primary caregiver, advocating for his needs and ensuring he received the care and support necessary for recovery. Their close bond, strengthened by shared perseverance, helped carry them through the most difficult moments.

Since leaving VA Palo Alto, the transition home has brought both relief and new challenges. But the strength Cory built, and the unwavering support Crystal provided continue to guide their journey forward.

Today, Cory no longer needs the breathing tube, feeding tube, or catheter that once supported him. He is now walking with assistance and making steady progress in his recovery from a spinal cord injury. With each step, he is proving that his path is no longer uncertain, it is moving forward, and it is only going uphill from here.

Crystal shared her heartfelt appreciation for the entire care team in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, with special thanks to Nurse Ketu and Brittany for their compassion and dedication. She was particularly grateful for the outstanding support from the physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs, all of which made a lasting impact on her brother’s recovery.

Reflecting on her journey, Crystal also expressed deep gratitude for the Fisher House, which provided comfort and support during a challenging time.

“They carried me when I couldn’t carry myself,” she says.

For Crystal and Cory, the Fisher House was more than a place to stay, it was a vital source of strength, stability, and comfort during one of the most trying times in their lives. Their story is one of many that reflect the impact of this unique program.

As long as there are Veterans and families in need, the Fisher House will continue to be a place of healing, hope, and home.

To learn more about the Fisher House Foundation and how it supports Veterans and their families, visit the Fisher House website.