The History of the Family Inn

Charlie and Marilyn Fiske founded the Family Inn in 1988 as a result of their own personal experience. When doctors told them that their 9-month-old daughter, Jamie, would need a liver transplant, they flew out to Minnesota, and got her the care she needed. For months they traveled from their daughter’s hospital room to a small lodging house in Minneapolis. Their attempt to make life for their daughter and 1 yearold son as normal as possible in the midst of a medical ordeal made them especially aware of the needs of hundreds of families in similar circumstances.

Charlie and Marilyn returned to Boston with a strong desire to help other families like their own. Through the generous support of many individuals, businesses, foundations and trade unions, the home on Sewall Avenue in Brookline was purchased and renovated. The Inn opened its doors to families on June 28, 1988.