Volunteer Laura Eastridge often spends 12-hour days at the Ann Arbor Fisher House. She has dedicated more than 658 hours, and counting, since July 2021. On Sunday night she starts her meal prep to offer guests breakfast early Monday morning. House manager April LaRock says Laura makes the house a home, which is why she nominated Laura for Fisher House Volunteer of the Year.

“Laura cares about the families we serve and enjoys interacting with them while cooking in the kitchen,” April said.

When Laura won Volunteer of the Year, she did not expect recognition because she enjoys her role. She explained that time goes quickly, chatting with grateful guests sitting at the kitchen bar counter.

“I am very fortunate to have the time to put into the Fisher House,” Laura said.

Laura loves to prepare delicious homemade meals, desserts, and baked goods. She shares recipes in a cookbook that volunteers put together for guests to take home. April says guests praise Laura for her warm hospitality and thoughtful meals.

“The Fisher House feels like a home away from home with yummy smells when Laura is here,” April said.

Laura’s connection to Fisher House goes much deeper than her volunteer work. Her Fisher House journey begins with a personal story about her family.

“I share my story about my son with some of the guests,” she said.

As a stay-at-home mom, Laura enjoyed cooking for her family and loved watching her three kids flourish. Her oldest, Tim, joined the Air Force in August 2015. He was training to be an F-16 tactical aircraft maintenance crew chief, but shortly after boot camp, he was diagnosed with leukemia. At first, Laura used Hero Miles for flights to see him.

“The Hero Miles program was amazing because we didn't know how we would afford to fly back and forth.”

The flights gave her the flexibility to fly between Michigan and Texas to be with her two girls at home and to care for Tim. Laura ended up staying in three separate Fisher Houses. Every week for three years, she made Tim his favorite meal of chicken stew.

“At the time we were so overwhelmed. I was so grateful to have a place to lay my head.”

Laura spent most of her time at the hospital with her son, rarely interacting at Fisher House. Now, her time volunteering allows her to experience Fisher House differently than before.

“It gives me a personal connection to my son because he was a very kind and generous person.”

Laura remembers how positive and calm Tim remained for four years before he lost his battle at 23 years old. Hearing other guest stories, she says she can more easily resonate with families in a crisis who are trying to navigate their time and focus. She even makes them chicken stew to help them through their journey.

“I know Tim would be happy and proud that I am honoring his memory in giving back to this community,” Laura said.