Jan Raisch & Marilyn Healy - Charity Angels

by Judith Lawrenson
Photography by Bill Lawrenson

I have lived here on Hilton Head Island for quite a while and have heard of Hilton Head Heroes and some of the things they do, but until I met Jan Raisch and Marilyn Healy, I had no real idea of the depth of their program or the many wonderful people involved in this unbelievable and unique mission.  This is their mission statement, but honestly, it does not scratch the surface of their gifts to the families they serve: “Our mission is to bring families with a child suffering from a life-threatening illness to Hilton Head Island for a resort vacation. All of our families stay in the Hilton Head Hero House located in the Sea Pines Resort.”

PINK: How in the world did a program like this ever get started?

Jan and Marilyn: The program was started by Gregg Russell, the famous, long-time Harbour Town singer, and his wife, Lindy Russell. They would visit different children’s hospitals, usually in a city where Gregg was performing, to do a show for the children. They met the chaplain from Arnold Palmer children’s hospital in Orlando and would do shows there. At that point, they thought it would be wonderful if they could bring these children and their families to Hilton Head for a family vacation. (With a child in the family with a life threatening illness, many of them had not had a vacation in many years.) Hilton Head Heroes was born from this idea 15 years ago. At first we had to rely on people who would share their vacation home, condo, or timeshare for a week to house the families. There were no gift certificates or dinners or anything included—just a place to stay. Volunteers made meals and kind people loaned sports equipment and other items. The first year there were 12 families.

PINK: Talk a bit about how the program has grown.

Jan and Marilyn: After five years, Heroes purchased a house in Sea Pines. At that point, they began the Host Families Program that involves us and over 100 other volunteers here on the Island. Now the Hero house is available for families with children who have life threatening illness for 50 weeks per year! We only leave it open for the two weeks after Thanksgiving, when we decorate for Christmas and have an open house for the volunteers who have helped throughout the year. They all stop by, share, look at pictures, read the comments that families have placed in our guest book and enjoy each other.

PINK: This program has grown so much. What else do you do for these families?

Marilyn: Now each family receives a certificate book with free donated activities ranging from the movies, pony rides, local museums, miniature golf, arcade games, boat rides, ice cream treats and on and on. They also get meals at local restaurants and shopping certificates at many local stores. They are very well taken care of while here, as very often these families have become unable to do things like this because of exorbitant medical expenses. 

PINK: Jan, do you have a favorite moment or something that has been particularly meaningful to you?

Jan: Yes, I do. A couple of years ago, I saw one of our Hero children riding an adult tricycle. She was 13 and had a brain tumor. She had not been able to ride a bike for over six years. Because a local bicycle company provides any kind of bike needed for each member of the Hero family, she was able to once again have the thrill of bicycling with her family! You do not forget moments like that.

PINK: What are some of the duties of the “host family?”

Jan and Marilyn: The host families are just that. They see that pictures are taken and recorded, look to special needs, make phone calls to be sure everything is going well, and let the family know what to expect on their trip. We (Jan and Marilyn) put all of the Hero family information together and deliver them to the host family. We include baby toys, blankets, certificates and coupons, books that are age appropriate, a map of the island and so on. The host family sees that our Heroes are taken care of and all of their needs are met, just as you would do if you had personal visitors. In fact, they are our personal guests! They are met and oriented, then given as much or as little help as they need to have a fabulous and well-deserved vacation.

PINK: How do you find these families?

Jan and Marilyn: The families are generally referred by social workers, doctors, hospitals, or hospital chaplains from literally all over the country. Each family has to fill out a detailed questionnaire. Once Lindy has determined the family fits our criteria, she is in touch with the family personally and determines a date that will work for them and the house. We are currently taking applications for 2016. 

PINK: I know you have one big fundraiser for the group. When is that and what is your format?

Jan and Marilyn: Our 10th Annual Gala will be held on Friday, November 6th at TidePointe. TidePointe generously donates their clubhouse and staff for the event. We have a fabulous silent auction, but the event is really noted for the food. Everything is so very special and unique. That’s why it is called “An Elegant Evening!” We especially love the entire room of desserts that are simply to die for. All of our proceeds go toward expenses and to pay off our mortgage.

What a deeply committed group and what a deep commitment I felt from these two Charity Angels. When I asked them what they would wish for the continued success of Heroes they both gave me the exact same answer. They both wished they could pay off the mortgage.  

If you are interested in finding out more about Hilton Head Heroes, being a part of the organization, or making a donation, please visit their web site at hhheroes.com. You can see pictures of the Hero House, find out how to donate, volunteer, or get tickets to their upcoming annual fundraiser, An Elegant Evening at TidePointe, which is planned for November 6. You are also welcome to tour the Hero House, located in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island, by posting a request on the Heroes Face book page, or by sending an email to Nancy Kelly, the Hospitality Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tours are given by appointment on Sundays at 2pm.