When Frankie was hospitalized in June, his doctor recommended he seek treatment in Columbus at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Frankie had been dealing with GI issues for three years now, and his doctors in Michigan struggled to determine the best treatment. Since Nationwide Children’s is ranked as one of the best hospitals in the nation for pediatric gastroenterology, the Espinoza family knew they had to find a way to get Frankie to Columbus. But how?
Planning for the trip
Shana and Francisco, Frankie’s parents, stressed over accommodations. They lived more than four hours away and had never been to Columbus. While they could technically afford a hotel, staying for nearly a week on top of medical bills would be a strain. Plus, they had to figure out how to get from a hotel to the hospital, what to do between his tests, where to do laundry and how to feed themselves. All the details were adding up, and the Espinozas felt overwhelmed.
When the doctor told them about the Columbus Ronald McDonald House, the couple was hesitant. They didn’t want to take up space that another family may need more.
“The office encouraged us, and told it’s not always about the payment,” said Shana. “It’s about supporting you medically.”
After talking with the RMHC office, the Espinozas decided to lodge at the House, and they are so thankful they did.
Staying at the House
When they arrived in Columbus, they knew they would be staying for about a week of painful testing for Frankie. When he wasn’t at the hospital, he had to take preparatory medications that would leave him with stomach pains and vomiting,
Shana said they were so grateful to be at the House rather than a hotel during these difficult moments. Being somewhere with amenities like laundry and a kitchen were critical to their well-being.
“Most importantly, the amenities kept him distracted,” shared Shana. “Even after he would vomit, he would say, ‘Let’s go back to that LEGO room. I’m not done building my plane.’”
Frankie reiterated his mother’s sentiment: “I loved the LEGO room. I got to build a super cool plaque and airplane.”
Shana emphasized how beneficial all the extra rooms were to their family. Frankie always had something to do, so he was often distracted from the pain he was in. For that, Shana and Francisco are forever thankful.
Plus, the House features spaces where Shana could relax as well. She loved using the workspaces and the workout room to manage her own stress during this difficult period.
Returning to Columbus
Frankie recently found out he would have to return to Columbus for 4-6 weeks of weekly treatment, and, although the Espinoza family is upset about the pain Frankie will have to go through, they are thankful for the House.
“I’m fine to go back to Ohio,” said Frankie. “I don’t care if it’s a nine-hour trip; as long as we can stay at the Ronald McDonald House.”
Thanks to the House and its various activity rooms, Frankie thinks fondly of his time in Columbus, something Shana is forever grateful for.
“We had a lot of terrible days that turned into the best day for him,” said Shana, “because he got to build a LEGO plane, he got to stretch out in a cozy living room and he got to pick out a book in the library. It just really was all positive.”
Returning the favor
The Espinoza family was so thankful for their time as guests at the House that they have decided to become monthly donors.
“RMHC made my son feel like royalty,” Shana remembers. “So, we would love to be helpful to them as well.”
The family also decided that, during their return trips, they will bring in-kind gifts with them such as toiletries and shelf-stable snacks. They are recruiting their friends and family as well, turning this into a small holiday drive.
“My hope is that, as people shop through the holiday season, they can keep an eye out,” said Shana. “Grab a can of Lysol or a bottle of soap.”
Frankie also encourages people to donate monetarily or via in-kind. He’s excited to gather the in-kind donations and bring them to the House.
“Thank you for helping!” he says to all donors.