A Little McDonald's Never Hurt Anyone

In 2012 I worked for the hospital where Emma was admitted earlier this month. At the time I came on board, the hospital had just finished fundraising for Wisconsin’s first Ronald McDonald Family Room. I had heard of the Ronald McDonald Houses, and had admired their work from afar, thinking how wonderful it must be for families to be able to stay so close to the hospital while their child was in the hospital. As I worked with an amazing team on the implementation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, I learned how absolutely phenomenal their work really is.

So, what is a Family Room? For those who have experienced having a child hospitalized, you know that the thought of having to leave your child’s side is inconceivable. But, as Ronald McDonald House Charities say on their website “you have to rest and recharge to stay strong”. These rooms have a few "sleep rooms", which families can rest on a real bed, take a shower, and generally recharge; and public areas, where families can watch TV, have a bite to eat, or play a game.

“When your child… is ill or injured. It’s draining both mentally and physically. But, you need a short breather to help you stay strong. The Ronald McDonald Family Room… is designed for times like this. Instead of going home or across town to rest, parents will have a special place in the hospital to recharge, grab a quick bite to eat or just have a private moment… and only be a few steps away.”

When Emma was admitted to the hospital, we hadn’t thought about the Family Room, but a dear friend who I used to work with suggested we consider using the room as we struggled to rest among the beeps and lights of the medical equipment. Adam and I took it in turns to take a two hour nap over night, so one of us could always be with Emma.

Do you know that these rooms are constantly staffed by volunteers under the caring management of a Ronald McDonald employee (in our case a lovely lady named Teresa)? Volunteers work in the offices, bake cakes, lend an ear to overwhelmed families, and generally give of their time and themselves. I got to know Kevin Huddleston and Mary Donahue of Ronald McDonald House Charities Madison, and I know how hard their staff and volunteers work. I can’t thank them enough.

When I worked on the Family Room project, I understood the need for the space, I wept as I heard the stories from families who would have benefited immensely from the room, and I spoke with the wonderful donors whose generosity meant that this space could become a reality. I was 8 months pregnant at the time. I never imagined that those tiny babies I was carrying as I did that work would lead to my family being so incredibly grateful for that space.

To express our gratitude to the Family Room, I am putting together a box of wish list items to donate. If you are moved to do so, the next time you are at the store would you consider picking up an extra box of cereal, or bag of chips? I’d be happy to come and collect them from you and take a box filled with these desperately needed items. Here’s a link to their wishlist.

Lots of love,

The Morgan Family xx