George Mark Children's House

03/27/2026

Our music therapist Rebekah has a special way of connecting with our patients. Through her voice, her instruments, and the energy she brings, she sparks beautiful moments of engagement.

Sometimes, it really is as simple as a happy smile. And that can mean everything.

03/25/2026

March is 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, and this recent visit to the House says so much about what that means.

We welcomed back the Spirit of Children team for a day filled with laughter, connection, and a few playful surprises along the way. From a “trick or treat” style tour with our Child Life Specialist Kyle Amsler to seeing how their support brings art, music, and sensory experiences to life, it was one of those days that just felt special.

Through Spirit Halloween, the retail brand behind the Spirit of Children program, this partnership goes far beyond fundraising. Each year, they help create moments of joy and normalcy for our families, especially during Pumpkin Day, our biggest family event of the year. This year, their community 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 $𝟭𝟬𝟲,𝟬𝟬𝟬 to support our Child Life program.

We were honored to recognize their impact with a George Mark Hummingbird Award.

Grateful for partners who show up like this, year after year!

Read the full story in our House Happenings section: bit.ly/SOC-TY2026

03/18/2026

A recent USA TODAY story shares the journey of Dr. Tasha Faruqui and her family, and it is one that many in our community will recognize.

Her daughter, Soraya, was born with a rare genetic condition and is now facing a life-limiting illness. Through it all, Tasha and her family continue to meet each day with honesty, strength, and so much love.

Their story speaks to the reality many families carry quietly, while also holding onto moments of connection, care, and togetherness. We are honored that George Mark could be part of their journey, a place Tasha describes as “peaceful” and “beautiful.”

We are grateful to Tasha and her family for sharing their story so openly, helping other families feel seen and less alone.

Click the link to READ MORE.

Read More: bit.ly/USAToday-Tasha

03/14/2026

03/13/2026

Camp Kara is a weekend-long bereavement camp for Bay Area and Northern California youth ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives, including a sibling. Camp Kara is offered at no cost to campers and their families. Children and teens come together for one weekend to participate in traditional fun camp activities and peer support focused grief activities. GMCH Child Life Specialist Kyle will be present as a camp counselor and a familiar face for GMCH families.

Applications are live until March 30th and information about Camp Kara can be found here: https://kara-grief.org/services/camp-kara/

“Camp helped me understand my grief and gave me the space to share about my
brother and the love I will forever have for him. This camp gave me the hope and
support I didn’t know I needed." -Bereaved sibling camper

03/12/2026

We are so proud of our patient Kaitlyn, whose artwork was featured at a recent Art Show! The art show featured artwork responding to the theme "What My Diagnosis or Disability Means to Me."

Kaitlyn, who lives with epilepsy, wrote the following about her piece: "I grew up with the struggles of having to live with epilepsy. I used art, reading, writing, and dancing as my creative outlets to escape the world. I found control and happiness through the people I love and things that made me feel normal. I never wanted my epilepsy to stop me from being the person I want to be. I think of it as a part of me, but I refuse to let it define me. I believe anything is possible when you truly believe in yourself."

CURE Epilepsy

03/10/2026

Have you been meaning to get your plans and documents in order but have not quite found the time to start?

We are hosting an upcoming complimentary We are hosting an upcoming complimentary 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝘀 seminar this Saturday, March 14, at George Mark, where community members can learn more about preparing for the future and the thoughtful steps that help protect loved ones. It will be a relaxed, welcoming setting and a chance to ask questions and hear from experienced professionals.

A few spots are still available. Please RSVP by emailing GMCH@georgemark.org or by calling 510.346.4624.

03/10/2026

It is 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗶𝘇𝘇𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘆, and a fitting moment to express our gratitude to Tony Gemignani and the ever expanding Slice House organization he has built.

Through Slice House’s partnership with the San Francisco Giants, their annual fundraiser for George Mark has truly become pizza with a mission, generating meaningful support for the children and families we serve year after year.

Today we celebrate the simple magic of a great slice that helps make a difference!

03/06/2026

This , we’re grateful to welcome Roxanne Chanos and Nanette I. Cartago from the 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗼 𝟭% 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 to George Mark.

After learning about our new aquatic therapy facility through a news segment, the
Sereno team nominated George Mark for a 2026 Community Impact Grant — and we are honored to be a recipient.

Sereno’s pledge to give 1% of their gross commissions to organizations creating positive change is a powerful example of business as a force for good. Their commitment to investing in the communities they live in and love aligns beautifully with our mission.

Thank you, Roxanne, Nanette, and the entire Sereno team, for your partnership and for taking the time to visit and see the impact firsthand!

03/05/2026

A blue-tongued skink, a snake, and a millipede. Our friends from the Oakland Zoo
brought some wild energy to a recent visit.

So cool to have partners who bring a little extra wonder for our kids!

03/04/2026

On this , we are grateful to our Board of Directors for the thoughtful care packages sent to our clinical, psychosocial, kitchen, and housekeeping teams.

Beautifully curated by the staff of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, these packages arrived after a particularly demanding couple of weeks and meant more than words can say.

Thank you for supporting the people who show up every day for our children and families!

03/03/2026

It is March, and for the first time in 21 years, Kathy Lee is not walking through the doors at George Mark.

After more than two decades as our RN Case Manager, Kathy officially retired last month. For years, families and colleagues alike relied on her steady presence, deep compassion, and clinical wisdom. Now, we hope she is enjoying a well deserved season of rest and new adventures.

We recently celebrated Kathy and the extraordinary impact she has had on our House.

Take a moment to read our tribute to Kathy and her remarkable 21 year journey with George Mark in the latest House Happenings feature on our website: bit.ly/Kathy-Lee