Ronald McDonald House Charities
I recently met Lauren Fischer, Communications and Special Programs Supervisor for Ronald McDonald House Charities through Twitter. I love what this organization does help children and families in need of medical care around the world. I had to include them in my Christmas Giving series and am honored that Lauren agreed to guest post and share some information about this important organization and ways that we can help them continue their work.
Every Little Bit Helps RMHC Help Families Access Quality Healthcare
It is true what they say, “that it is in giving that we receive.” I would like to draw attention to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) whose mission is to give the gift of accessible health care and family support to those that need it most this holiday season. We have been providing health care related services to families for 35 years through our Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and Grants programs. We focus on helping families access the necessary health care their children need in their communities, and/or keeping families together during that time so their children can heal faster.
During Christmas we hear greetings and best wishes about being home for the holidays, together with family, and spreading happiness and health in the New Year. The RMHC core programs help make these blessings come true for families across the world. RMHC has witnessed lots of happy, inspiring stories this year. I want to take the time to share with you a special story about 6 families who came together under tough times and were able to get the quality medical treatments their children needed because of the Ronald McDonald House program.
Meet the Turnerwagnerbeitzlehmkuhlewydoherty Family
This may seem like a long family name, but for six families in Kansas, they came together as one family during a trying time. This family name is the result of the support, friendship and love they shared at a very special place.
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 happy and healthy children renew a very special friendship. A friendship they’re all thankful for, regardless of the stressful times that started it all.
Get Involved with RMHC Today
Please spread the word about the good work that RMHC does, like helping these six families care for their children and forge new friendships in the process. Your support of and contributions to the Charity enable RMHC to continue on its mission of improving the health and well-being of the world’s children. I encourage you to get involved with the Charity by learning more at http://www.rmhc.org, volunteering with your local Ronald McDonald House program, following us online on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, and of course donating.
Every little donation counts; From the small change that adds up in our Donation Boxes in McDonald’s restaurants, which cumulatively raises $18 Million a year to fund our programs, to the $15 online donation you make, which can help stock the pantries at the Ronald McDonald Houses providing snacks and meals for families after a long day at the hospital. I encourage you to give the gift of RMHC today to a family in need of accessing healthcare and/or staying together at Christmas.
If you, a friend, or family member have been personally touched by the Ronald McDonald House Charities please leave a comment below. I would be honored to have you share your stories here. Thanks!
You can read all of the 12 Days of Christmas Giving posts here.
i find it interesting that no one has commented here yet….. this is an easy charity to give to…. change from your meal in the drive through at mcdonalds… the pennies that would just end up under your seat can make a difference for a family that is already under stress due to the illness of a child.
i have known people who have found this to be their only calm place while they watched their children die of cancer….
time to give.
Thanks for commenting Lauree. It really is a wonderful organization. Giving the spare change on your next visit is such an easy way to give.
I’ve not stayed at the Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital in Detroit, MI my self. Staci and I have contemplated utilizing the service when we’ve had to stay for days because one of the boys had a bad bleed (they both have a bleeding disorder called Hemophilia). Thankfully, we’ve had lots of support from our church/biological family and we live fairly close to the hospital so we haven’t REQUIRED the use of the facility.
As a parent who very well may need to stay there some day, I can say that by supporting the Ronald McDonald House you are providing a comfort and peace to parents very much in need. Try sleeping in the waiting room of an ICU and you’ll quickly realize that comfort, peace, safety, etc. are not words you’d associate with the experience.
Nicole – thanks for mentioning this very worthwhile organization!