The Fisher Family

When Kaelen is at Jill’s House, I get a rare weekend to rest as a single dad. I usually stay nearby, go hiking, and enjoy some quiet. Then we talk the whole way home about everything he did.

I’m the proud dad of Kaelen. It’s just the two of us living together in South Jersey, and our bond is something truly special. Kaelen is full of life—always happy, kind, and energetic. We understand each other. He’s not just my son—he’s my teammate, travel buddy, and the motivation behind most of what I do.

We’ve been through our share of challenges, but we’ve also been really fortunate. That sense of gratitude drives us to give back. For many years, we’ve made it a mission to serve others—putting together care packages during the COVID-19 pandemic, picking up trash on Earth Day, handing out gloves in the winter, and making sandwiches for the homeless. Kaelen has been right beside me through all of it. We’ve even made it our goal to do charitable acts in all 50 states. So far, we’ve hit about 12 or 13.

Kaelen and I love to travel. Last year, we went to Japan to visit Super Nintendo World in Osaka. Besides having an awesome experience at the theme park, he loved the strawberry buffet at the hotel! In our travels, we like to mix fun with service, making memories everywhere we go.

One of the biggest blessings we’ve encountered is Jill’s House. We heard about it through a friend and decided to give it a try, even though it’s over two hours away. From that very first visit, Kaelen loved it. He especially enjoys the pool, gym, and making new friends with his “buddies.”

Jill’s House gives me peace of mind. Dropping him off there the first time was a little nerve-wracking, but I trusted the people who recommended it and was quickly reassured. Now, when Kaelen is at Jill’s House, I get a rare weekend to rest as a single dad. I usually stay nearby, go hiking, and enjoy some quiet. When it’s time for him to leave, we talk the whole way back home about everything he did. He always has stories about the buddy he was paired up with. We’re also both big foodies, and he raves about the meals at Jill’s House. It’s become part of our rhythm, something we both look forward to.

To any parent considering Jill’s House, I say it’s absolutely worth it. There’s nothing like knowing your child is safe, happy, and celebrated while you get the chance to recharge. The team at Jill’s House goes above and beyond, and they truly care. It’s not just respite; it’s a community—a lifeline. For us, it’s been the best respite program we’ve ever experienced.

Kaelen calls me “bald and beautiful,” and I’ll take it. He says I’m caring, and I’d say the same about him. We’re the Dynamic Duo. We do our best, and Jill’s House helps us keep going.