The Albuquerque Fisher House was lucky to have been a part of celebrating the 7th birthday for our youngest guest to date in the house on March 11.
Jennifer Holloway and her six-year-old son Ben had hoped they would be home in time to celebrate Ben’s seventh birthday with friends and family, but her husband wasn’t going to be released in time.
The Fisher House staff quickly got to work to make sure there were festivities for the day and that the Birthday Boy’s favorite Marvel characters were in attendance. The Friends of New Mexico Fisher House, the local community group that supports the Albuquerque Fisher House, jumped in to help by making sure that Ben had presents to brighten his special day.
“The staff and I had just finished blowing up our last balloon when Ben walked downstairs and into the Dining
Room and you could just see the joy on his face,” said Christina Ramírez, Albuquerque Fisher House Manager. “His jaw dropped, and he looked around and said, ‘Is this for me!?” as we all yelled ‘Happy Birthday!’ in unison.”
Ben and his mom spent the morning with his dad at the Medical Center and returned to the Fisher House for cake and ice cream. It was a strawberry ice cream cake—Ben’s favorite!
The Fisher House and Voluntary Service staff were joined by the Social Worker who had helped refer them to the Fisher House, and members of the Friends of New Mexico Fisher House.
The Albuquerque Fisher House is only three months’ old, so Ben gets to claim the title of being the first birthday celebration in the house. Fun fact: He also gets to claim the title of being the first to put the Albuquerque Fisher House on the Tooth Fairy’s map!
The day turned out to be a MARVELous Birthday for Ben even though he was far from home and here during his dad’s hospitalization.