The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families of seriously or chronically ill or injured children receiving treatment at area hospitals by offering nurturing and supportive environments where families can stay together and find comfort. The Wilmington, DE House is a home complete with comfy guest rooms, fully equipped kitchens, playrooms, teen room, theater, salon, fitness center, pet therapy dogs, free cooked dinner, stocked pantry and so much more. There isn’t anything they have forgotten to make these family the most comfortable they can be in the stressful situation they are in. I watched it become a simple 27 room house to a 50 room state of the art masterpiece. This was made possible by the amazing efforts that raised $5.8M.
I became familiar with Ronald McDonald House Charities about 4-5 years ago. I volunteered 1 day a week for a few hours. My duties included cleaning the kitchen, taking guests to their room, fetching clean towels or sheets if needed, talking to families who needed an ear, accepting dropped off donations and really anything that needed to be done. Ronald McDonald House Charities does have an employed staff but without volunteers they couldn’t provide the level of service that has come to be expected not only in Wilmington, DE but at the almost 300 Ronald McDonald houses around the world.
In all the stress, heartache, pain and anxiety related to caring for sick child there can be a glimmer of hope. The Turnerwagnerbeitzlehmkuhlewydoherty family is evidence of that.
The amazing story of the Turners, Wagners, Beitzes, Lehmkuhls, Ewys and Dohertys began in the fall of 2000, when six women gave birth to seven premature infants. As often happens, complications arose and the babies required long and often difficult hospital stays. To be close to the hospital, all of the families moved into the nearby Ronald McDonald House in Wichita.
It was there that an unbreakable bond began to form. Six families, all going through the same ordeal, came to rely on one another. There was always a shoulder to cry on, a hug to be found or a few simple words to get someone through a bad day. No one ever gave up hope because no one ever felt alone.
And every year since, all six families meet for a very special reunion. Smiles and hugs are the order of the day as six families and seven very happy and healthy children renew a very special friendship.
A friendship that would not have been formed without your help.
Read this story from one of the mothers
Take a moment and think about what you can do for others in your area. Stop by your local Ronald McDonald House, apply to volunteer, drop off some groceries, visit McDonalds for a cheeseburger and drop your change into the donation box or work with your community or employer to volunteer as a group and cook a hot delicious meal for these families in need. All donations made by December 31 will be matched by an anonymous donor from the Ray Kroc Heritage Society (to a total of $1 million). Plus, many companies match charitable donations as well. Search to see if your employer does, and your donation could really add up!
