The Ronald McDonald House Charities...

What I Wish I Knew

Words of wisdom from a RMHC veteran parent

Be ready to bond with others who are going through the same experience. It’s OK to open up to strangers. Form an emotional connection and friendship with the other families at the House.
— Melanie, RMHC veteran parent

Maddie had her first heart surgery when she was barely a week old and needed a heart transplant by age 4.

When your child is diagnosed with a serious medical problem, life can become very stressful very quickly. Not only do you have to understand what the doctor is telling you, but you also have to keep your family and life together.

Melanie’s daughter, Maddie, had her first heart surgery when she was one week old. By the time she was 4, she’d undergone multiple surgeries and needed a heart transplant. So she could receive the care she needed, Maddie and her family traveled from Orlando, Fla., to St. Louis, where they stayed at a Ronald McDonald House.

Melanie learned a great deal about her family and her family’s strength during her daughter’s treatments.

She has this advice for families:*

• When people offer to help, let them. The volunteers at the House want to make your stay there as comfortable as possible.


• Be ready to bond with others who are going through the same experience. It’s OK to open up to strangers and to create an emotional connection and friendship with other families at the House.


• Help one another. Other parents will be there for you, as well.


• Don’t be afraid to hug people or hold their hands, even if they’re from another family. You will see and feel how powerful the human touch is.


• Give the House’s address to friends and family so they can show their support by sending cards, letters or care packages.


• If you know that you will be at the House for more than one month, ask a friend or family member to relieve you occasionally. You need to get away — even if only for one day — to rest your mind and body.


• Know where the nearby pharmacies and walk-in clinics are before you need them. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to become ill yourself.


• Use the exercise equipment that most Houses provide. Exercise not only helps you stay in shape, but it is also reduces stress.


• Take advantage of clergy or other faith services offered by the House or the hospital. You will need faith and strength during this time.


• Take care of yourself so you can be strong for your child. Use all the resources that the House offers.

*Families staying at a Ronald McDonald House can use the House services and facilities to meet their needs and at whatever level is most comfortable.

To support the services provided by RMHC, make a donation.

The picture of Maddie looks just like Olivia when she was little, I had to look twice.:0)

Olivia,I, and our 4-H group raised over 2oo dollars to buy stuff for them.

The smile on their face said it all. We plan on doing it again very soon.

~Emma