George Mark Children's House

04/17/2026

This week gave us a special chance to celebrate a wonderful partnership.

Our friends from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton visited George Mark earlier this week, and just a couple of days later, Team GMCH had the pleasure of visiting their beautiful San Francisco office for their Pro Bono Appreciation Celebration.

We are so thankful for Cleary Gottlieb’s partnership and for their generous pro bono support of George Mark. It has meant a lot to our work and mission.

Thank you, Cleary Gottlieb, for including us in such a special evening!

04/16/2026

Throughout April, we celebrate the dedicated volunteers of George Mark Children’s House.

Our volunteers are such an important part of this community. They give their time, heart, and energy to help bring comfort and care to children and families every day.

We are resharing a video from a couple of years ago, and what it expresses remains true today.

Inspired by our volunteers and interested in getting involved? Learn more about becoming a George Mark volunteer: bit.ly/GMCH-volunteer

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/10/2026

We are honored, grateful, and blessed!

04/10/2026

For Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are thrilled to share our Q&A with Shirley Zindler, the co-founder and President of Dogwood Animal Rescue. Shirley has been volunteering at George Mark Children's House (GMCH) for over two years, bringing furry friends to visit our patients, families, and staff.

What do you find rewarding about volunteering at GMCH?

"Volunteering at George Mark has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life. The kids are so sweet and appreciative, from the most innocent baby and toddler, to the teenagers who do their best to accept their condition with grace and humor. Being able to bring some sweet simple joy in the form of puppies and kittens, and watching the kids (and the wonderful staff) being able to live in the moment with the animals is priceless."

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at GMCH?

"There are so many beautiful memories from my times at George Mark. The kids we've lost are etched in my heart forever. Probably one of the most touching was spending time with a little girl who passed away within hours of our visit. She was very weak and I held her hand in mine to help her stroke the tiny puppy on her lap in the bed. I can still feel her warm soft little hand in mine.

A more recent and happy memory was watching a sister of a patient, running giggling around the lawn in the sunshine with a litter of puppies happily chasing after her. She had boundless energy and was so joyful and carefree. It seemed like they ran and played for an hour or more. Her darling sibling sat in mom's lap on the grass, gently stroking a smaller pup as it slept. The patient was receiving end of life care, and the families hearts were heavy, but the time with happy, kissy little puppies allowed her to find some pure joy in the moment."

How does GMCH support patients and families?

"I don't think I have enough words to say how amazing this program is for patients and their families. I've watched families wrapped in the love and support of the caring, compassionate staff and enjoy the beautiful setting, both inside and out. I see how much it comforts the families to have someone lovingly walk them through what is usually the most heartbreaking event of their lives, or provide critical respite care for their critically ill children so that they can get a break. I also love how much the staff and volunteers work to provide whatever makes the patients and families happy and fulfill last wishes."

Dogwood Animal Rescue Project

04/07/2026

Tony Hodrick was a caring and thoughtful partner whenever he came to George Mark. His expertise and kindness translated into power imageries that told our stories well.

Thank you and congrats to Tony on his your retirement!

04/05/2026

Spring made its way into the weekend!

Our Child Life Specialist delivered spring baskets donated by our friends at the AWC - Alamo Women's Club filled with thoughtful goodies for our patients. Around the House, you could also spot some pretty great art expressions from our patients, adding their own color to it all.

A gentle, joy filled way to welcome the season.

04/03/2026

Kicking off 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵with gratitude for the 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆.

Their recent Day of Service at George Mark brought more than helping hands. More than 20 team members rolled up their sleeves to refresh our grounds and outdoor spaces, helping make our campus even more welcoming for the children and families we serve.

The day also carried deep personal meaning, led by Premier Nutrition’s Accounting Director Gregg Pitts, whose connection to George Mark goes back many years through his daughter Sarah. Together with our CEO Shekinah Eliassen, he helped open the day by sharing the heart behind the House and the compassion that continues to shape our mission.

To close this meaningful visit, Premier Nutrition presented George Mark with a generous gift of $25,000.

We are deeply grateful for their service, generosity, and heart!

Read more about this day in our latest House Happenings at georgemark.org: bit.ly/PNC-2026

03/28/2026

We are proud to share that our very own Dr. Justin Baker, a George Mark board member, was recently featured on 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙞𝙩𝙩 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩, the official companion to HBO Max’s smash hit show 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝘁.

In this meaningful conversation, Dr. Baker offers a real-world look at the ethical questions families and care teams face every day. He speaks about compassion, honesty, and the importance of helping families make decisions they can live with, even in the most difficult moments.

One powerful idea he shares is what he calls the “regret prevention business” — supporting families in a way that helps them move forward with as few regrets as possible.

It is a thoughtful reflection of what pediatric palliative care is truly about: not just end of life, but quality of life for every child and family.

Click to read more in our latest House Happenings post on georgemark.org: bit.ly/JBaker-ThePitt

03/28/2026

What day is it? It is Force Friday!

Once a month, friends from another galaxy make a special appearance at George Mark Children’s House.

This time: a blue alien boy, a temperamental Ren, a fearless rebel pilot, a sharp officer, and a playful Jawa.

Patients and staff all in on the fun. A little dress up. A little mischief. A whole lot of shared moments.

Golden Gate Garrison Rebel Legion Endor Base

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.