Your stories
Everyone has a story. And this holds especially true for all of you connected to RMHC. You have high points and low times. You have setbacks and rallying spirits. You have tales of inspiration and stories of encouragement.
Share your story with others so they can inspire, encourage, and comfort families across the RMHC community.
Sort stories by:
-
In 1990, I was born a seemingly healthy and happy baby girl. After a few short months, the doctors realized there was something wrong. I under went several surgeries and months in the hospital later, they decided I needed a liver transplant. I under went several other surgeries in hopes a transplant would not be necessary. I was placed on the waiting list, and my family wished for the best. In 1991, two days after my first birthday, I received a new liver and a new chance at life.
My family and I lived about four hours away from my doctors in Chicago. While going through this hard time, my dad was cut back to part-time at his job and therefore lost most of his salary and benefits. My mom was not working, and my older sister, who was two at the time, spent a lot of time with relatives. We had absolutely no money to pay for a hotel let alone for weeks at a time.
My mom has always told me about the wonderful foundation of Ronald McDonald Houses. She doesn't know what we would have done if they hadn't provided a supportive blanket around our family. She described the friendly staff as angels. As a baby, the only vivid memory I have is of the play room. I loved playing with the Hungry Hungry Hippos game. There was a giant lion in which I adored. Years later, I went back to the same Ronald McDonald house and I was able to sit on that same Big Lion. I'd like to think that Ronald McDonalad House played a big part in my recovery and life.
Today I am a happy healthy young woman. And I owe a huge thanks to RMHC. THANK YOU!
-
I had my daughter 5 1/2 weeks early and her lungs were not fully developed . They had to transport her to a NICU that was not in the town where I lived. I had two other children and a was unsure as to were I was going to stay , nor did I have the money to rent a motel room . I also wasn't sure how I would be able to provide food for my kids or to eat myself. The Ronald Mcdonald House welcomed my kids and I as though we were part of the family. We never once felt as uncomfortable and the staff was very caring. We spent 2 1/2 weeks there while my baby girl was on a vent , and while she recovered enough to go home. If it wasn't for them I don't know what I would have done or where I would have stayed. I did't want to leave my baby alone and the house made is possible to stay close and work on getting her better so we could go home.
-
My name is Jewel Akaran, I am from Kotlik, Alaska. My son Michael "Boya" was diagnosed with Lymphoperliferative Disease of Childhood in March 2011. We have been in Portland, OR since June 2011 and we have stayed at several places including the Ronald McDonald House East and West. Boya has undergone two bone marrow transplants, of which the first was his father's bone marrow. Boya's body rejected that and had to undergo a second bone marrow transplant using an anonymous cord blood donor. It has been successful so far and we have passed the 100 day mark! He was in PICU for a month 1/2 and that was the hardest time in his life. I'm so happy that that part is over with and if it weren't for the Ronald McDonald House and the wonderful staff, we would have felt a lot farther from home than we already are. Boya is a fun-loving, kind, out-going little guy and he has just about everyone that was lucky enough to meet him wrapped around his little finger. He is known for his hugs (with a little tap on the back) and his awesome high fives! I love this place and I'm fortunate that we were a part of this family. We love you all!
-
Hi my name is Alicia Leza im a mother of a Brachial Plexus child her name is Mia shes one and three months old my child was fracture when she was born and she has partial parallace on her right arm. She is a very happy and strong girl, im a fulltime student and fulltime mom my husband is a fulltime selfcontractor. when they told us what had happen to her it was the hardest thing they ever told us i went to a big depression by what had happen to my daughter but only god knows why? we been traveling to San Antonio with speciall surgents and its been very hard fanacially. this last time we went to san antonio we spend a day at the ronald mcdonald hause and it was a wonderfull experience and i have alot to thank to that charity house and the great things they do for all those familys in this stiuation they are wonderfull. know i have my credit card with the ronald mcdonald logo and i donate to them i just want to thank you for all the wonderfull things you guys do for all this wonderfull and beutifull childrens and ther familys when they most need the help thank you again and god bless!!!!
-
Hi, I'm Laurie Maitland and I have a story to tell you all about my own 2 songs, entitled, "Open The Door" and "Somebody To Give My Heart To". For the music video of "Open The Door", I put clips of myself singing in the basement, swimming in the pool, coming out of the water to read the Woman's Day magazine and opening the door with a key, Ruben Kincaid, played by Dave Madden, driving a car to the family house, trying to open the door and asking if anybody else is home, taken from "The Partridge Family", the young Michael J. Fox and his girlfriend, sitting on the back porch, taken from the McDonald's commercial, Kathy, played by Lauren Chapin, coming through the door, taken from "Father Knows Best", Billy Joe Jive, trying to open the door with a key, taken "Sesame Street", Mr. James Anderson, played by Robert Young, hugging his daughter, Kathy, played by Lauren Chapin in the kitchen, taken from "Father Knows Best", Fred Flinstone, being locked outside the house, banging on the door loudly, shouting for his wife, Wilma to open it up for him, taken from "The Flinstones", Mary Cadorette, opening the door to meet her dog after going out shopping for groceries at the supermarket, Augie Doggie & Doggie Daddy hearing Snagglepuss knocking and opening the door, Yogi Bear knocking on the door, calling for the chef to come in to the kitchen and grandma opening the door to let the rest of her family come inside the family home to take pictures from a Polaroid camera, taken from the Polaroid commercial.
Here is a concept music video of that song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFk8PNffItI&list=UUKufcVJc8F71KW2HdNxySsw&index=55&feature=plcp
Here are the lyrics to that song:
To Jesus, your son, your gift of love
May be the holy door
God uses to open the heart of a child
Love is the key that unlocks the door
When I'm closing in, your perfect smile
Can open the door to this heart of mine
When Jesus knocks at the door of your heart
Redeemer of heaven and earth
Open the door and invite Him in
He will give you new life and rebirth
He'll give you the spirit to live in your heart
The greatest gift that ever will be
Not only for life here on this earth
But forever in eternity
Don't leave me stranded
Outside in the cold
During wintertime
I need you to keep me warm
Open the door and let me in
'Cause I need you to talk to me
When I'm locked up deep inside
Open the door and let me in
When I'm tied up in a bondage
And there is no [Read More]
