[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE GEORGE MARK CHILDREN'S HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the George Mark 
Children's House in San Leandro, California, the first freestanding 
residential children's hospice and respite care facility in the United 
States. The House offers around the clock respite care; transitional 
care, end-of life and family care services to children with life-
threatening or terminal illnesses.
  The George Mark Children's House's focus is on keeping the family 
intact while in the midst of profoundly challenging circumstances. The 
House features private family quarters that allow parents and siblings 
to stay together with a child during the final stage of his or her 
life, when care at home or the hospital is no longer practical and/or 
desirable. The House helps families make the most of the precious time 
they have remaining together. In this unhurried, nurturing and non-
institutional setting, child focused end-of life care and bereavement 
support is available for the entire family.
  An interdisciplinary team of specialists staff the House; pediatric 
physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual care counselors, 
therapists and intensively trained volunteers. Through the generosity 
and support of the community, the George Mark Children's House is 
accessible to medically eligible families, regardless of their ability 
to pay.
  It is anticipated the House will serve up to 150 families per year 
from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. I am hopeful the George 
Mark Children's House will serve as a model to be replicated throughout 
the country for the establishment of other residential children's 
hospices for terminally ill children, and respite care for their 
families with a full spectrum of supportive services.
  I send best wishes to the George Mark Children's House as we welcome 
them to our community.

                          ____________________