Autumn during her hospital stay

Autumn is not even two years old, but she has faced enough hardships to last her a lifetime. Her mother, Carrie, had a perfect pregnancy—there was nothing detected to assume anything was wrong with Autumn. Autumn’s birth was normal and healthy—things appeared to be perfect.

However, her parents noticed Autumn was at the 30^th percentile in weight at six months. When she went in for her nine month check-up, she was below zero on the weight chart. The doctors were concerned, so they kept running tests on Autumn in hopes she would get better. At 11 months old, Autumn was progressively getting worse—she was vomiting and would not eat—a meal for Autumn was five or six bites. Everyone was extremely concerned about Autumn’s health, since there was no diagnosis.

In January of this year, Autumn was admitted to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where she was tested for everything. Her family wanted answers so they could help their little girl get well. The doctors made the decision to insert a Nasogastric (NG) tube through Autumn’s nose, so they could attempt to get nutrients to her. The doctors started Autumn’s feeds, and she would vomit between three and four times per day with the NG tube. Every time Autumn would start to get better, she would have a set back and end up losing more weight than she had gained. In March, Autumn had an endoscopy to see why the NG tube was not working. She was put under anesthetic, and her results came back clean; however, Autumn later vomited up undigested food. Carrie, Autumn’s mother, knew something was not adding up.

Finally at the end of March, Autumn was diagnosed with colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract. She lost half a pound and weighed the same as she had weighed at six months old. Doctors decided to remove the NG tube and insert a gastrostomy tube (G-tube), which is inserted through the abdomen and delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. However, something still felt like it was wrong, so Brad, Autumn’s dad, told the doctors Autumn had been clumsy with crawling, since she was too weak to walk anymore. On April 15^th, Autumn had a CAT scan, and Brad and Carrie received news that would turn their world upside down: their sweet daughter had fluid on her optic nerve and there was a blockage with it. Autumn had a Pilomyxoid astrocytoma, a more aggressive and rare type of brain tumor.

Autumn was admitted into the ICU and had an eight hour brain surgery on April 22^nd. After the surgery, she was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus, which means the kidneys cannot excrete water, and her sodium levels are at an all-time high. Within a couple of hours of this diagnosis, Autumn had two seizures, and she was put on strict fluid restrictions. Because of this, Autumn became severely dehydrated, then she had fluid buildup, so all of these resulted in a lot of stress on her poor little body. The doctors put Autumn on three different antibiotics, and one was a research drug, which had not been tested in children, so her doctors had to special order the medicine. Autumn had two pick lines placed in her body to help with nutrition and fluid intake, as well as a port in her chest.

Since Autumn will be undergoing chemotherapy for the next 12-18 months, her family will be staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. Carrie said, “You know, for the first two weeks we were here, we stayed in the room with Autumn, we did not leave her side. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio has been wonderful for us. We (Brad, Carrie, and Carrie’s mother) take shifts staying in the room with Autumn. Someone is with her at all times. We take turns going over to the Ronald McDonald House. It is wonderful to come over and have a home-cooked meal, as well as a hot shower and comfortable bed. The Ronald McDonald House has helped with cost and proximity while Autumn was critical. We are so thankful to stay at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. It has been a huge blessing.”

By Meredith Harrison

As we get closer to opening our new kitchen, we thought it would be fun to compile Breakfast for Dinner recipes that you and your meal groups can come in and serve to our families! If you are interested in coming to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House to provide a meal for our families, please contact Meika Willis, Operations Coordinator by email at Meika.Willis@rmhc-centralohio.org or by phone at 614-227-6032. Click here to view our meal guidelines.

As a general guideline, please consider providing the following menu items:

• Main Dish with both a Meat and Vegetarian entrée
• Starch, if not included in the main dish
• Fresh Green Salad or Vegetable Salad and/or Vegetable
• Fresh Fruit
• Bread/Rolls with butter
• Dessert

Oven Fried Bacon – Serves 125

18 lb. sliced bacon

Directions:

Arrange slices in rows, across pan with fat edges slightly overlapping lean edges.
Bake 375 deg. without turning 20-25 minutes until bacon is slightly crisp.
DO NOT OVERCOOK.
Drain or skim off excess fat at needed. Drain thoroughly on paper towels.
Allows 3 slices per serving. Reduce bacon by 6 lbs. for 2 slices per person.
For a conventional oven, use 325 degrees.

Church Breakfast Eggs – Serves 125

11 doz. eggs (3 doz.)
1 gal. less 1 cup milk (4 c.)
4 Tbsp. salt (3 1/4 tsp.)
2 lb. melted butter or margarine (1 cup)

Directions:

Beat eggs, combine well with other ingredients.
Pour greased baking pans half full with mixture.
Bake 40 minutes at 375 degrees, stirring after 20 minutes. Make sure
the pan is not full, as the egg mixture rises when baking.
**Amounts in ( ) are for 24 servings.
**DO NOT use aluminum pans for eggs, it will turn the eggs green!

Classic Homemade Pancakes – Serves 100

13 lbs. of pancake mix will serve 100
or make your own pancakes:

1 1/2 gal. water
35 eggs
4 3/4 c dry non fat powdered milk
9 lb flour
3/4 lb white sugar
2 c shortening OR veg. oil
8 oz baking powder
4 1/2 Tbsp. salt

Directions:

Cook on a griddle temp at 375 degrees.
Mix together dry ingredients, combining well to distribute evenly.
Add eggs and water and mix at low speed just until                                                                       blended. Don’t mix excessively.
Blend in salad or or melted shortening, mixing about 1 minute
Using a 1/4 cup measure or ladle, pour onto lightly greased hot griddle.
Cook until top is covered with bubbles and underside is browned, turn, cook on the other side.
Total time 3-4 minutes.  2 pancakes per serving.

**Make it fun by adding a topping bar, for the families to put their own twist on their pancakes.

Fruit Salad – Serves 100

10 cans (20 ounce size) pineapple chunks, drained
10 cans (21 ounce size) peach pie filling
10 cans (11 ounce size) mandarin oranges, drained
10 cups green grapes
10 cups of sliced strawberries
10 cups sliced bananas

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except bananas. Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, fold in bananas.

Teddy Bear Toast – Serves 125

15 loaves of wheat or white bread (24 slices/loaf)
3 lb tub of butter
Cinnamon and sugar
35 ripe bananas
1 large container of raisins

By Tony Szymczak, Immediate Past President of Red Shoe Society

Tony with Ronald representing the Red Shoes

Upon starting a new job, my boss mandated that I get involved with a charity. I remember thinking that information should have been disclosed in the interview! The same week, a friend asked me to get involved with the charity they worked for, and that charity happened to be Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Coincidence? Now, I don’t think so but at the time I thought it was convenient because I didn’t have to research anything. Sometimes you realize that things were just meant to happen.  As fate would have it, I began “volunteering” at the House with the Young Professionals Board.

Growing up in a small Ohio town, I never really had much exposure to charities or organizations that helped others in need.  Sure, when I was younger, I sold subs and candy bars for little league, but I knew that was going to help me directly. When I say I sold subs, I mean I asked my mom and dad to take the order sheets to work. I would hardly consider that an experience in helping others. In fact, one year I think I ate the candy bars before I sold them so I’m pretty sure that doesn’t count as fundraising. I began my time with the YPB with that as my volunteering experience.

I pretty much sat on my hands for the first couple of months, but felt good because I was fulfilling my duties as an employee and friend by being there. During one meeting, I was tasked with leading an event. I accepted the task and that was the moment that started my real experience at RMHC and it changed my life significantly. Through that event, I learned a few things:  I learned volunteering could be a lot of fun, RMHC was full of great people, being a part of a good cause is very fulfilling, and that I liked helping others.

Fast forward 6 years and I am now able to reflect on how Red Shoe Society has changed. The Young Professionals Board is now The Red Shoe Society. The group has grown by 10 times. We help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the House. We were named the top volunteer group in Columbus. Most importantly, we are making a significant difference in the lives of those families who need it.

Fast forward 6 years, and I am now able to reflect on how RMHC of Central Ohio has changed me. Shortly after my first event experience, I changed careers and went to work for a non-profit. It is at this company I met my future wife. Thank you RMHC!  The man I currently work for I met through the House. Thank you RMHC! The person who will be performing our wedding ceremony I met at the House. Thank you RMHC! When I really began volunteering at the House, I could see the impact our efforts had on others. What I could never imagine is the effect that volunteering and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio would have on my life. Thank you RMHC! You have changed my life in ways that I would have never imagined.

When Brianna was in 8th grade, she lost 17 pounds in 10 days. She had to pull out of school and the extracurricular events she loved. Her quality of life was fading, and no one could provide the Smith family answers for Brianna’s condition. Finally, Brianna’s doctors in her home state of Alabama had an answer: Brianna suffers from gastroparesis, which is an incurable condition where the stomach muscles stop working. Her doctors recommended the family come to Ohio, where there were specialists who could provide answers and treatment for Brianna. The family came to Nationwide Children’s Hospital and stayed at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House to be able to focus on Brianna’s health–this is just one example of how families travel from all over the world to receive care in Columbus. Below are letters from both Brianna and Brianna’s parents.

The Smith Family

We wanted to thank all of the staff and volunteers for making us feel so welcome and at home here! We stayed at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House for almost three weeks as our daughter was receiving treatment for her gastroparesis. The first week she had a temporary pacemaker placed, then the next week they placed the permanent pacemaker. Staying as close to Nationwide Children’s Hospital was such a blessing and the Ronald McDonald House felt like we were at a home away from home–it is amazing! What a blessing the Columbus Ronald McDonald House has been! Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Margo and Joel Smith

The Ronald McDonald House was really nice especially since it was right by Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It helped when I had my surgery so I could just walk to appointments, which made it really easy. I love that we were fed meals–everything was so convenient.

Love,
Brianna

By Dee Anders

The best flower coming this May will be opening the new rooms at the Ronald McDonald House in central Ohio. Even though the entire project will not be complete yet, we will have more guest rooms to accommodate all the families who have a child being treated in central Ohio hospitals. We are so grateful to our volunteers, board members, and community supporters who have supported Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio during this expansion. Most of all, we send our love and appreciation to the families who have weathered the expansion and renovation with us. The month of May will be a time to celebrate, do some spring cleaning and welcome families with open arms at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House.

Progress in the new wing!

Industrial Kitchen

Family bathroom in the new wing

By Emily Smith

Emily and Will post 2012 Columbus Marathon

Will and Emily

Almost three years ago, my family went through a horrific automobile accident that left my youngest brother, Will, in critical condition with a traumatic brain injury. He eventually was sent to Nationwide Children’s Hospital here in Columbus and was cared for by the most wonderful staff. Will spent over four months on the rehabilitation floor working hard on his recovery and my family was fortunate enough to be there 24/7. We live about an hour’s drive from the hospital, and without the comfort and services that the Columbus Ronald McDonald House provided, we would not have been able to be near Will as often or as comfortable as we were. I truly believe Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio had a direct impact in Will’s recovery because without it, our family would have been more stressed and not have been able to be as active in his rehab.

The Ronald McDonald House provided a home away from home where we could relax after a long and often emotional day at the hospital. The House was a short walk across the street from the hospital and they provided three meals a day, a comfortable bed to flop down on and get a good night’s rest, a warm shower, laundry, a workout room, a library of books, and the best part: a community in which you healed and comforted one another while meeting strangers and sharing your stories over dinner.

I come from a family of runners, always training with our minds focused on the next race ahead. Running serves as my outlet, my way of relieving the stress of the day and serves as my time to reflect on what has happened during the day. During our stay at the House, I became very familiar with the workout room and the treadmill and although I prefer running outside, I would look forward to the afternoons I was able to unwind to the monotonous “clop, clop” of my feet hitting the belt. Believe it or not, I trained for a half-marathon in that room.

Will, being hugged by his sister, was chosen as one of the 2012 Patient Champions for the Columbus Marathon

A year after the accident and our long residence at the House, I decided to run the 2012 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon as a member of Team Ronald McDonald House Charities, also known as Team RMHC. It was my way of giving back to the two organizations that gave so much to my family, and a small way to say ‘thank you’ to the countless individuals who took care of us during our time in need. The run was incredible. Previous patients deemed ‘Patient Champions’ line the course and cheer you on, meanwhile you cannot help but think it should be the other way around. I knew my brother was out on the course and anxiously looked for him the whole race. By mile 25 I was exhausted and upset that he was not at the two spots my dad told me to look for them. However, toward the end of mile 25 I spotted Will—he was standing (with assistance from my dad) and was cheering me on. Needless to say, I was crying while I crossed the finish line.

I will be running the Columbus Marathon again this year as a part of Team Ronald McDonald House Charities and I encourage you to do the same. As a team member, we fundraise for the House—a place that provides a home-away-from-home for countless families going through what might be the worst time of their lives. The House is a beacon of hope and warmth and the reward you will feel giving to this place will be invaluable.

*If interested in learning more about Team RMHC, please reach out to Darla Stover at Darla.Stover@rmhc-centralohio.org*

By Tk Christenson

Tk with her grandchildren

In March of 2013, I became a housewarming volunteer at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. I was looking for an opportunity to help others. My children and grandchildren have needed the services of Nationwide Children’s Hospital on occasion. I felt the Ronald McDonald House was a place where I could help support others with children in central Ohio hospitals no matter what I was doing at the house.

My favorite part of volunteering is seeing the smiles on people’s faces when you are listening to them or providing them with something they need. One day, a father was checking out of the Ronald McDonald House, and I had not seen him before. He looked at me and said, “I want to tell you guys that you saved our lives.” Since I had not met him before I said, “It must feel good to go home.” He replied, “Yes, we were only here for three days, but you all were here for us during a critical time.  We will always be grateful.” Hearing him say this just overwhelmed me and I was happy I was there to help.

After I became a volunteer, I decided to increase my commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio by adopting two rooms – one in memory of my husband and the other in memory of my mother. My husband was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back if he felt you needed it and was always protective of others. My mother was a strong woman who was a social worker and a dedicated teacher who she spent her life around children. I felt this was a great way to honor my mother and husband while providing needed rooms for families of hospitalized children.

Occasionally, I will bring my granddaughter in to help at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House and love that she can see the House. I am hoping these experiences will provide her an understanding of the importance of helping others.

I love working with the dedicated talented crew of volunteers and staff, many of whom have had distinguished careers. We are a community of volunteers with no task too large or small to tackle together.

By Meika Willis

Meika with her sons

My experience with the House began when I volunteered with my work group. We split into two groups, half of us cleaned while the other half of our group baked treats for the families. I was on cleaning duty and loved it! We were given a tour of the House and right away, I was certain something special was going on within those walls! Shortly after that initial visit, I became a Housewarming volunteer on a recurring shift.

While I was pregnant with my second son I was offered a great position at Nationwide Children’s Hospital which impacted the amount of time I had to volunteer. Even when I was not volunteering on a regular basis, I knew my heart was still drawn to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House, and I wanted to be a part of this extraordinary organization.

Since this past summer, I have been given the privilege of walking through our doors at 711 E. Livingston Avenue to serve our families and volunteers on a daily basis! I am able to connect on different levels with so many people of various walks of life. It is an honor to be able to serve and interact with our families and alongside our fantastic volunteers.

I am still in awe of how I feel when I am in the House and I know just how fortunate I am to have my dream job! For me, I have always felt something in the House that is so tangible I can reach out and wrap my arms around it. I now know it is the compassion and selflessness of our volunteers that envelopes our families and patients while they are coping with life altering events.

Dear RMHC,

My son was in the ICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for eight days. This time was extremely stressful for my husband and me. When we came to the hospital, we had nothing with us, not even a toothbrush. In fact, I was still in my work uniform. We stayed in the hospital room with our son for the first night and barely slept. By morning, we were both a nervous wreck. Our nerves were so shot, my husband and I started to argue. Then a social worker told us we could go to the Ronald McDonald House to take a little break, but I was hesitant. I did not want to leave my son, but I knew I needed some time away to pull myself together to see to his care. We decided to give the Columbus Ronald McDonald House a try.

The beds were so comfortable, it was impossible not to get a decent night of sleep at the Ronald McDonald House. After one night, I was able to think more clearly. However, the best part was that volunteers provided free meals. In the first day and a half, we spend $40 on drinks and food. We felt miserable eating vending machine food and living on pop and coffee. I cannot imagine what we would have spent in eight days. We would have been totally broke!

It is heartwarming to know that with all of the entitlement in our society, there are still people who give of themselves with no thoughts about monetary rewards. As a former McDonald’s employee, I remember the convenient change boxes at the register for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and how I would put my change in the boxes. I had always hoped it was being put to good use, but I never expected to find out first hand. I am so thankful and grateful Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio is here. This is exactly what the world needs. This is exactly what we needed! Thank you, RMHC!

Sincerely,

Jonathan and Elizabeth

By Ryan Wilkins

Growing up, my mom told me “you can do anything you put your mind to,” and I always believed her. If someone would have told me that we would win a national contest on ESPN three years in a row, I would have had a hard time believing that. I guess if a community puts their mind and heart to something, we can accomplish that goal.

The first year we were privileged enough to be selected by Coach Thad Matta of The Ohio State University, we were thrilled to even be selected. Our team worked tremendously hard, well beyond what anyone could expect, to generate support in Central Ohio for Coach Matta. I can distinctly remember standing in a drive through at the McDonald’s in Lancaster knocking on people’s windows and asking them to “vote Matta.” Some of them thought I was crazy. Others were afraid, but it was worth it. We thought Coach Matta could win, and we put our minds to it.

And you know what? He did win, generating a $100,000 donation to RMHC of Central Ohio. We were beyond excited. Then we got the phone call later that year that Coach Matta had again been selected as one of the top 48 coaches in the nation, would be in the Coaches’ Charity Challenge, and had selected RMHC of Central Ohio for the second year in a row. We knew it would take a huge community effort, but a repeat win for Coach was attainable. Once again, the community of Central Ohio stepped up and showed the nation that Columbus is the most generous community in the world. Another $100,000 donation to RMHC of Central Ohio on behalf of Coach Matta, making our running total $200,000.

So when we found out that Coach Matta was in the contest for a third year, and had selected our charity yet again, we all thought a three-peat was a long shot. However, that never stopped our community. We all redoubled our efforts, worked harder than ever before to help Coach Matta rise to the top, and once again, win the Coaches’ Charity Challenge. The three-peat was official, bringing our grand total from the contest to $300,000.

Needless to say, we love Coach Matta and the Buckeyes. How could you not? Coach is one of the most genuinely kind and thoughtful people we have ever met, and he cares deeply about not only success on the court, but off the court as well. We are proud to have him as our friend at the Ronald McDonald House.

Coach Matta, you are a true hero to our families. Thank you for your support. Columbus, you have really outdone yourselves. Way to go! We can’t thank you enough for your undying support of the families we serve.