George Mark Children's House

07/26/2025

Today we were excited to host Miss Bay Area Supreet Thiara at George Mark in celebration of National Disability Independence Day! Disability Independence Day marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law in 1990. Supreet read books and took photos with our patients, bringing smiles all around. We wish her the best of luck when she competes for Miss CA USA in a few weeks!

07/26/2025

The magic of the galaxy is alive at George Mark through 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 — a once-a-month child life experience where visitors from a galaxy far, far away engage our young padawans. Thanks to the generosity of local costuming groups, our halls are filled with excitement and just the right dose of galactic wonderment.

This special program is inspired by the enduring influence of Lucasfilm — a beacon of hope, imagination, and powerful storytelling.

And on one meaningful Friday this summer, that spirit came to life in a powerful new way. Lucasfilm welcomed bereaved George Mark parents for a private visit to its legendary San Francisco campus — a day of connection, remembrance, and cinematic magic. From the Yoda Fountain to behind-the-scenes tours and a surprise visit from R2-D2, it was an unforgettable experience.

To our awesome partners at and to all who carry its spark, we are genuinely grateful for helping us make space for healing, memory, and imagination.

See more from this unforgettable day in our House Happenings blog: bit.ly/LFL-bereavedfam

Golden Gate Garrison The 501st Legion Rebel Legion Endor Base The Rebel Legion

07/24/2025

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲

A rare opportunity to own a piece of couture history, while supporting compassionate care!

Iconic Bay Area designer Lily Samii, whose 50-year legacy includes collaborations with Edith Head and James Galanos, will showcase a stunning selection of her original gowns in an exclusive fashion show and live auction benefiting George Mark Children’s House.

From Union Square to New York’s 7th Avenue, Lily’s designs have graced the nation’s most elegant women and garnered international acclaim. Now, for one unforgettable night, her timeless creations will be available to the highest bidders — an extraordinary chance to take home a masterpiece while making a meaningful difference.

AUGUST 27, 2025
BEACON GRAND HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO
6:00PM

𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲. 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: bit.ly/LilySamii-GMCH

07/23/2025

𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝘀. 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲?
New on the blog!

We’re honored to share a deeply compassionate and informative piece by Gabrielle Elise Jimenez, End-of-Life Doula and Palliative Care Nurse Educator at George Mark Children’s House. Originally published on her site The Hospice Heart, this article breaks down the differences between palliative care and hospice care — two terms often misunderstood but so important to grasp when navigating serious illness.

With clarity and heart, Gabrielle explains how both types of care offer comfort and dignity, while serving different purposes along the journey. Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply curious, this piece is essential reading.

Read the full blog here: bit.ly/Understand-the-Diff

07/16/2025

This 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, we’re not going to tell you to hold your horses — because today is about going all out for these magnificent, gentle creatures!

At George Mark, we’re lucky to partner with the incredible Equestrian Foundation, who bring wonderment, happiness, and a bit of miniature horsey magic to our patients and families. Whether it’s a soft nuzzle, a decorated mane, or a moment of connection, their visits create pure joy and unforgettable memories.

And there’s even more to celebrate — SonRise is turning 20! That’s two decades of heart, hope, and horsepower. We’re so grateful for this cherished friendship and all the smiles it brings. Check their website to find out about their upcoming gala (sonrisekids.org)

Happy anniversary, SonRise — and happy I Love Horses Day to all who know the wonder of a horse’s love!

07/15/2025

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 is here — and this one’s extra special.

We wrapped up our 20th anniversary year with a powerful look back at what we’ve accomplished together, and an exciting glimpse into what’s ahead.

Highlights include:
- Record-breaking days of care
- Strong financial standing that fuels our mission
- Big steps forward on the Betty Higgins Palliative Aquatic Center
- Stories that reflect the heart of George Mark

This report is a celebration of legacy, growth, and the incredible community that makes our work possible.

Take a moment to flip through — we hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us.
bit.ly/GMCH-2024AnnualReport

Here’s to 20 years of compassionate care… and the future we’re building together!

07/12/2025

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹

Support for the families we serve comes in many forms -- time, talent, treasure, and sometimes, the kind of words that stay with you.

Former George Mark Children’s House board member Mike Frazier captured the magic of George Mark in his heartfelt poem 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗔 𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗟, a place where “tears legitimately convert to laughter” and “sadness turns to joy.”

It’s not just a house. It’s where healing, hope, and heart come together in the most beautiful way.

“𝙂𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚...
𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙤𝙡𝙙.”

Enjoy your weekend with some feel-good inspiration, read our lates blog and the full poem here: bit.ly/House-on-a-Hill

07/11/2025

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲!

Today, we’re throwing it back to a visit that had us all smiling from whisker to tail — the one and only Créu Cat!

If you were around during the early blogging days, you might remember this pink-eared feline friend who lit up the internet with sparkles, silliness, and pure heart. Thanks to his creator, 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗶 (yes — that talented Pixar animator!), Créu recently stepped out of the screen and into our halls, delivering hugs, high-fives, and all the nostalgic joy we didn’t know we needed.

Read more about Créu’s visit and his creator in our latest blog: bit.ly/CreuCat-GMCHvisit or visit georgemark.org/house-happenings

07/09/2025

The honor was truly ours!

At our 25th Annual Golf Tournament, we were honored to received the Hummingbird Award from George Mark Children’s House. To date, The Markie Foundation has donated $300,000 to George Mark, and we have been grateful to create meaningful relationships with the house! To read more about what GMCH is doing, click the following link: https://linktr.ee/georgemarkchildrenshouse?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f9012cd3-a718-4605-b383-31c26ab4158f

07/08/2025

Midday calm, drifting in on soothing strings.

Our beloved harper from 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 filled the room with soothing melodies today, creating a peaceful pause in the day for one of our patients. The gentle music, the soft light, the quiet connection - moments that speak louder than words.

Thank you, Healing Muses, for bringing comfort and beauty to George Mark, one note at a time!

07/08/2025

𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗪, 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲!

Whether you’re a cozy Cancer, celebrating with heartfelt hugs and homey vibes, or a bold Leo, stepping into your spotlight with style— why not make your birthday go a little further this July?

By starting a 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 for George Mark, you’re helping provide love, care, and comfort to children and families when they need it most.

It's easy to get it started in just 3 simple steps:
𝟭 Head to Facebook and click “Raise Money” from the "Add to your post" menu.
𝟮️ Select George Mark Children’s House as your nonprofit.
𝟯️ Add your own message, set a goal, and share it with your starry circle of friends!

Every dollar raised supports compassionate, no-cost care for kids with life-limiting conditions and their families.

It's a beautiful way to celebrate you while creating lasting impact!