Keeping Families Close
December 16, 2015
We knew the baby was coming, but we didn’t know when.
On a Wednesday in April, an expecting mother in Columbus, Ohio had picked us to be the adoptive family for her baby girl – a very premature baby who could arrive any time in the next few days. In fact, the baby was born the following Sunday morning, as much as eight or nine weeks premature.
That first afternoon and evening at Riverside Methodist Hospital was a whirlwind: We held our darling 4-pound baby for the first time and named her Zora. We also learned that she might need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit at Riverside Methodist Hospital for six to eight weeks, or longer.
Then a hospital social worker told us about Ronald McDonald House.
We had heard of Ronald McDonald House Charities before, of course. Didn’t it help people with sick kids? Then it dawned on us: That was us now. We needed a place to stay, one that would let us focus on our child’s growth and development, instead of the chores of daily life. Ronald McDonald House was the perfect answer.
All of it was free of charge. But best of all, it was free of hassle. RMHC transformed what could have been the most frustrating aspects of our stay in Columbus into pure simplicity.
We also appreciate how the Ronald McDonald House made the trip easier on our older daughter. She loved seeing and holding her new little sister – for about five minutes. But at the Ronald McDonald House, she bounced from the basement play area to the upstairs princess room. In the large dining area, she struck up impromptu games with other children her age. And every time we arrived or left the Ronald McDonald House, she climbed the bench out front to give the statue of Ronald McDonald a hug. She even got to meet Ronald McDonald himself one morning – a moment that she will remember for years to come.
None of this is possible without the volunteers and contributions that keep Ronald McDonald House running.
We may never need to stay at Ronald McDonald House again. But we will always remember how much easier it made our journey, and how much it helps the journeys of so many others. Please join us in supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and make a donation today.
Sincerely,
Theo, Jennifer, Aliyah and Zora
Thank You for Your Help
May 13, 2015
Dear Ronald McDonald House Volunteers and Staff,
The Columbus Ronald McDonald House
My husband and I would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Our baby, Clay, was transferred here very unexpectedly after being born prematurely. We have now spent almost a month at Nationwide Children’s Hospital as our son has grown and learned how to eat. We would not have been able to manage this without your help! We live two hours away and have a three year old son at home. While my husband has stayed home with our son, it has been a comfort knowing I had somewhere safe to stay that is so close to the hospital. This has allowed me to watch over our baby and be involved in his care. Everything from the room to the services you provide has went above and beyond. This is truly a wonderful place! Thank you all for being so good to our family!
Sincerely,
The Boggs Family
The Heartbeat of This House
December 17, 2014
By The Chisenhall Family
Our son, baby Joey, was born on September 2nd with HLHS, also known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Jacobsen Syndrome fairly early into the pregnancy. My wife, Angela, and I are thankful for this because it allowed us to make the proper preparations needed to get Joey the best care possible for his condition. He will have to undergo a series of three surgeries. It is going to be a long journey, but we are fortunate to have many special people supporting us throughout our journey.
With that being said, Angela and I are also very fortunate to have the assistance of the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. We reside in central Kentucky, which is approximately four hours from Columbus. The Columbus Ronald McDonald House has helped relieve the financial burden of being away from home and allowed us to concentrate on the well-being of our baby boy. Every person that we have met has been so helpful and considerate of our situation. The Ronald McDonald House has also allowed us to meet other families that are going through similar situations, which has made a huge impact on our overall outlook of Joey’s condition. Thank you for everything!
Love,
The Chisenhall Family
Our son, baby Joey, was born on September 2nd with HLHS, also known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Jacobsen Syndrome fairly early into the pregnancy. My wife, Angela, and I are thankful for this because it allowed us to make the proper preparations needed to get Joey the best care possible for his condition. He will have to undergo a series of three surgeries. It is going to be a long journey, but we are fortunate to have many special people supporting us throughout our journey.