A TRIBUTE TO THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

It was a home away from home...

     Our family never dreamed that we would have to leave our home for a period of time, other than vacations. Victoria was born at our local hospital in SC. We had no idea of the complications she would have at birth. She was born with Pierre Robin Sequence, a combination of cleft palate and short jaw, which caused breathing difficulties. Within hours of her birth, she was transferred to Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC, nearly two hours from our home.

     Although I was filled with worry and helplessness, I was not able to travel to Columbia until early the next morning. My sister was able to spend the night in the Family Room near the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Upon my arrival the next morning, a nurse told me about the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) and that they had a room available for us if we needed it. I couldn’t imagine a two-hour drive each way when I needed and wanted to be there for my daughter. After visiting with Vicky and meeting with her team of doctors, I was overwhelmed and exhausted. We went to RMH and met Allison, a warm, caring person who welcomed us with open arms. We were a little apprehensive about staying in an unfamiliar place; however, that soon went away. Everyone was so friendly and thoughtful of our needs during that difficult, emotional time! It was an especially difficult time for me to have to leave my two year old daughter with my mother since she could not enter the NICU unit.  Nevertheless, the RMH staff helped me get through the difficult times. So many times I would return to the house in tears and there would always be a person to confide in. On the weekends, Vera, Earl, and Bob were there for us - making sure we had everything we needed.

     We had only planned to stay at RMH for a week or two. Surely Vicky would be well by then. However, it turned into a long 6 weeks. Little did we know the extent of Vicky’s complications. During that time we met a lot of friendly, caring people. Arriving in the evenings after a full day at the hospital, families would gather for an evening meal prepared by a group in the community. It meant so much to us to have a warm meal upon arriving “home”. Families would share events and feelings. We had common situations, even though our children had entirely different medical problems.

 

Christmas at RMH with Ronald McDonald is special!

 

     Holidays were special at RMH too. Many community groups would bring special gifts for the children and food for the guests (I can remember how delicious the sweet potatoes tasted at Thanksgiving!). Although the worries among us were many, we were able to relax a bit and share the occasion with each other. Fun activities were planned to help families enjoy the holiday as much as possible. We remember the Christmas season. Staff, volunteers and family members helped decorate and make RMH “a home away from home” for the holidays. My older child, Christy, especially enjoyed the Christmas snow scene with moving figures!

     After six weeks of staying in a place we now called home, it was difficult to leave. Our friends did so much to make us feel comfortable. Even after returning to our real home, the Ronald McDonald House was and still is available to us.  

Vicky enjoys the playroom at RMH!

 

Vicky endured a lot during her first two years of life, including six combined surgeries, therapy sessions, and numerous doctor appointments. She has so many people caring and praying for her. She still has a long way to go, but we are proud of her accomplishments. In spite of everything, she is a beautiful, happy, energetic little girl. She smiles at everyone she sees. If she doesn’t have your complete attention, she will find a way to get it!!!

     Christy still remembers Room 8 as our home. Even though we have visited and even stayed in a different room during short stays, she still runs upstairs to Room 8. It was a second home to her. She often says, “We’re going to Old McDonald’s house to see Michael and Allison! She loved Michael and Allison. Former night manager, Elizabeth, truly enjoyed having Christy and Vicky stop by for visits. Before we knew it, Elizabeth had them in the playroom doing all sorts of fun, exciting activities! Christy and Vicky were always delighted to see Vera, who shared her jewelry with them. Cornelia enjoys children too. Christy always wanted to help her clean the rooms. Christy and Vicky also looked forward to seeing Joanie, who played with them in the playroom. Rachel, RMH’s new night manager at the time, made our latest stay very comfortable. It’s wonderful to see the staff take part in the lives of the families. It makes the families feel more at home and also shows how much the staff cares. Although there are new staff members at RMH, we still feel the closeness and sense of “family” whenever we visit. The staff members welcome us with open arms and still offer RMH as a home away from home.

Christy works at the computer in the playroom!

     Although we do not “live” at the Ronald McDonald House anymore, we remain involved. As RMH volunteers, we donate a few hours of our time to relieve the day manager during our visits to Columbia, bring food for the families, or donate little things to families in their time of need. We also have sponsored drives in the past in my local school requesting pop tabs, canned goods, personal items, and other necessities. During some of our visits, we have also brought meals to the families. It feels wonderful to be able to return some of the heartfelt goodness we received while we were a “family in need”.

     Thank you, Ronald McDonald House staff, for all you do to make RMH a home away from home.

K. Parker