The Oasis: Q+A with Sam Bish
Sam is a former USMC mortarman and Computer Engineer now stay-at-home dad and caregiver to Cillian. He is the Co-Founder to Heart Warrior Ministries and facilitator to the Oasis, an online gaming group for dads with children who have Congenital Heat Disease. His vision to begin the Oasis began when he was inpatient for a year and wanting to connect with other dads for support and advice who shared the same passion.
Q: What is the Oasis?
A: The Oasis is an online community of gamer dads who parent children diagnosed with and are affected by CHD.
Q: Why did you start the Oasis?
A: Gaming has always been a fun hobby of mine, and a way for me to stay connected with friends all throughout the US while i have moved around. The idea for The Oasis first started when I was living in the ICU for a year while my son was going through several open heart surgeries. During that time I found it hard to relate with other guys and dads while gaming and chatting about day to day experiences. I noticed there was a need for a platform that allowed for a fun way to connect with other dads in similar
situations that also allowed for opportunity for them to seek advice and support during an incredibly difficult part of life their life when they needed it most. I thought “Surely there must be other dads out there who feel the same way, right?” and quickly realized if I was asking that question, there was at least one other dad also asking the same. Whether it be the casual 20 minutes here or there, or the “hey sorry I can’t stick around, I have to logout earlier than expected” I wanted members of The Oasis to feel that
other community members understand where you’re at without the constant extra explanation.
Q: What are you hoping other dads will get from joining the Oasis?
A: My hope for members of The Oasis is to find the virtual community as a safe haven, or ‘Oasis’, and to be able to easily bond with other dads experiencing similar situations that a life of a having a child with CHD provides.
Q: How can we stay connected if I am not ready to join, but would like to in the future?
A: The Oasis has several social media accounts where we plan to post updates on events and community game nights! Also, new members are welcome and encouraged to join our discord server where all of the conversing and chatting will take place (online and offline). All of the accounts and server links can be found by clicking HERE.
Q: If my child was diagnosed prenatally with CHD but hasn’t been born yet, can I still join?
A: Absolutely! We would love for you to join up and get to know the community. We’re happy to share our experiences and provide advice as needed or requested, and we’re happy to listen to any questions or concerns you may have about what to expect.
Q: Is this group just for the dads?
A: Yes. Our intent is to provide a space specifically for dads to be able to connect with each other and build relationships, all while doing something we enjoy such as video games.
