blog

The Big Lion

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:35:10 -0500

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!

Helping hands

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:07:28 -0500

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.

Boya's Journey

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:17:48 -0500

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!

Mia Alexa Leza

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:27:31 -0500

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!!!!

"Open The Door" and "Somebody To Give My Heart To"

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:53 -0500

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 way of breaking free

Hear me calling out your name

Come on over, baby

Open the door when you turn the key

When you walk by, you hear somebody else

Knocking on heaven's door

So, open the door and let Him in

Because He needs your love once more

If there's no peace or joy in your life

And life seems too hard to endure

Listen, my friend, when you hear the knock

He's waiting, so open the door

And let Him in

Because He wants your love

Like Uncle Sam

More and more each day

Open the door and let me in

'Cause I need to have you next to me

When I seem so far away

And nobody wants to be alone

So I need somebody in my life

Just to come to my rescue

I'll be coming in for more

So come on over, baby

Open the door and let me in

I'm telling you right now that this is not a joke

It's been a long time since I waited too long

Hurry up; unlock the door with a key and let me in

Because I need your hugging and your kissing

And I need your sweet loving

So don't leave me stranded

Outside in the cold

All winter long

I need you once again

Open the door and let me in

'Cause I need you to talk it over with me

So you can see what's going on

In the world of nowadays

And I need to ask you, "What's happening, brother?"

That's why I need your love once more

Home is calling out your name

So come on over, darling

Open the door and let me in

Lyrics by: Laurie Maitland & Helen Parker

Music composed by: Laurie Maitland

For the music video of "Somebody To Give My Heart To", I put clips of two people getting married, taken from News 12 Long Island, myself singing, looking at wedding photographs from a photo book, hugging my Hello Kitty doll, reading a story about the hungry caterpillar, being friends with my Hello Kitty doll, playing the piano and singing like Lionel Richie in a balladeer style, mother and daughter frosting the cake and bringing the Father's Day cake to the father, taken from Betty Crocker commercial, the family members giving the daddy breakfast in bed, taken from Care Bears commercial, the family members in China celebrating their grandmother's 80th birthday when having a special Chinese dinner, taken from "Sesame Street", the family members celebrating the young girl's birthday, taken from the Betty Crocker commercial, Ken Grimball, serving Raggedy Ann & Andy a cup of tea, taken from News 12 Long Island, mother giving her daughter some chocolate chip cookies, taken from the Pillsbury commercial, the doctor saving the life of Wilbur, taken from News 12 Long Island, Michael Jackson, placing the ring on the woman's finger, taken from "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, a clip of Santa Claus' toy drive, a clip of the bake sale, a clip of a woman giving Santa Claus a piece of sausage to bite at the Hickory Farms supermarket, taken from the Hickory Farms commercial, Linus buying a heart chocolate box of chocolates for Lucy on Valentine's Day, taken from "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" and people coming over to the family house to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, taken from News 12 Long Island.

Here is the video clip of that song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4nXJTmA_JY&list=UUKufcVJc8F71KW2HdNxySsw&index=34&feature=plcp

Here are the lyrics to that song:

You are the one who loves me very much

And just because I need to have your tender human touch

You touch my heart and soothe me with a smile

When my heart is weak for you

It makes my life worthwhile

Certainly, my darling dear

I believe it's a shame

To leave warmth and tenderness

And get drenched in the rain

I just need love and care

My love I need to share

With you, because I'm fond of you

You give me peace of mind

'Cause you're my valentine

And I promise you I will be yours to have and hold

When my world seems cold and lonely

I need somebody to give my heart to

And every time I see the gleam in your eye

It tells me you are beautiful here in paradise

You have bright eyes and you're the reason why

You wear a perfect winning smile that lights up the sky

I would like to thank you, babe

For the wedding ring

That you gave me that day

For you, I will do anything

Let's take a vow like this

And seal it with a kiss

A kiss like yours I can't resist

You can depend on me

'Cause you're a part of me

Good love is an offer, dear, that I can't refuse

When my whole life runs on empty

I just need somebody else to call my own

When somebody loves you year after year

Loving you makes life worth living in a very special way

And now I say

That love is here to stay

Please say that you are mine

My funny valentine

Because I'm just a fool for you

I need your tender kiss

Your kiss I can't resist

'Cause you're the kind that's always heavenly to me

And I'm so happy, baby

Just to tell you I will give my heart to you

Darling, you're number one

No love is on the run

'Cause you give me everything a woman's dreaming of

And love is all we have worth giving

If you have none, I'll give my all to you

You are the one who's been so good to me

Better than I've been to myself

The best you will ever be

That's why my heart is just an open door

You offer me a lot of love I never knew before

When I'm sad and brokenhearted

I just need somebody to give my heart to

I need somebody to give my heart to

Lyrics and Music by Laurie Maitland

Gerry Rafferty - Bring It All Home

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:10:34 -0500

We picked out a song, entitled, "Bring It All Home", performed by Gerry Rafferty, taken from his 1980 album, "Snakes and Ladders", so this is perfect for Ronald McDonald House Charities. If you would like to see video of it, log on to:

youtube.com and search for:

Gerry Rafferty - Bring It All Home.mp4

Mickeala Lynn Farless

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:58:59 -0500

My name is alicia farless had my baby girl 9 weeks early she was 3lbs 8oz 10 5/8 long ples pray for her she is doing great. but we still need parys!

My Dream

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:41:45 -0500

I am 17 & I am recently applying for the Hacer Ronald McDonald Scholarship. I've heard many good things of this foundation. I decided to apply to get helped for college. I am raised by one parent, my father. I am actually the only female in my apartment I have two brothers & my wonderful father. I have been through abandonment by my mother. This caused a series of which lead to health problems. Being through all this has made me a stronger person with the help of my father & my brothers. I plan to become a pediatrician I am determined to give my all. Hopefully I will get this scholarship & fulfill my dream. I have faith.

our precious baby Taylor

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:06:32 -0500

I am so thankful for the Ronald Mcdonald House. We was in colombus ohio at Nationwide Childrens Hospital with our baby Taylor. He was born June 5th 2011. He was born in Charleston wv. They transported him there after he went into kidney failure. We was there for 2 weeks and 2 days. The Ronald Mcdonald House was so helpful it is a wonderful place for families. Everyone is so nice. Taylor passed away July 15th 2011. I know he is in a btter place but it breaks our hearts to have to let him go. But i know if I ever have to go back to the Ronald Mcdonald House for anything they would be there.

The First Time

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:51:56 -0500

Im very grateful for the people that made this possible.Here in Nashville TN.I have a baby name Mila, that just got a open heart surgery. she also has down syndrome.she is azaming. and the RMDH is a great help.

hello

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:42:55 -0500

well hi i made a match makeing booth to make money for a dontats so i am going to give all my money to it

Elaina

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:01:06 -0500

Hi.. Im twelve years old and my sister Elaina was diagnosed with autism and the rmh let my mom and i at the RMH. THANK YOU RMH! from alyssa ANd tammy

Fight for a Life

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:33:58 -0500

Born as a micropreemie at 1lb 8oz at 24 weeks, my daughter was transported to a different hospital about 1hr and 30mins away from home. I was worried about how I would be able to be there for her everyday and take care of her. Then I heard about the Ronald McDonald House in Orlando at the campus of Arnold Palmer. I spent 5 long months there as my daughter faught for her life. The staff were wonderful and very uplifting. I met so many other mothers and families going through the same thing. I loved that I could spend all day with my daughter and come back to the house and talk with other moms about the progress of our babies. I would definately recommend the RM house to anyone.

Kodin

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:57:52 -0500

I am the mother of a 16 year old child that has a rare genetic disoreder called Angekman Syndrome. Kodin is self injurous and dangerous to others. He has had a very difficult life, and can be the sweetest child. I hope that there is help for us out there!

Our miracle son Jakob

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:35:56 -0500

On Aug 9th,2010 my husband and I just found out that I was pregnant with our first child. Then in november during my prenatal pap I was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was told my best option would be to terminate my pregnancy and have a total hysterectomy to remove my cancerous tumor. I told that dr. no way and then found a Dr. in spokane,wa that was willing to let me continue my pregnancy with a low dose chemo. Then when I was just 35 weeks pregnant I had a scheduled c-section/radical hysterectomy performed at sacred heart hospital in spokane, wa. My son was born healthy at 7lbs 8oz's and was breathing on his own. He was a little jittery because of the chemo but other than that he was a healthy baby boy. Because Jakob was born at 35 weeks he had to stay in the NICU for a week and 4 days. If it wasn't for the Ronald McDonald house I don't know what my husband and I would have done since we had no family in spokane and not much money. They provided us with a room, food and it was only a block away from the hospital. So thankful for our stay there and meeting such wonderful people!

Our Little Miracle.

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:58:33 -0500

I found out I was pregnant when I was 6 weeks along. We were very much excited about our new addition. When I was about 4 months along, I started to have major back pain. I went to the doctor and they diagnosed me with Hydronephrosis ( fluid in the kidneys ) . I could barely walk and was always in tears. I spent 3 days in the hospital with medication trying to stop the swelling in the kidneys. Nothing worked.

I had an ultrasound schedualed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 22(7 months pregnant)tolok at my little guys heart. I had heart surgery two years before and i wanted to make sure my son would not have the same thing. ( they said everything looked just fine ) but when they checked where he was , he seemed pretty low.

The next night, at about 11:00 pm. I started feeling contractions. So I went into the Dr. and they took me to Sioux Falls by Ambulance. Doctors gave me steriods to jumpstart my baby's lungs. and another kind of medication to stop my contractions. I was in the hospital for a week and a half . The doctors then sent me to the Ronald McDonald House :) I was there for four days. And on the 4th of July, I started having contractions again.

Doctors did everything they could to stop the contractions, but my little man wanted to see his mama. & 24 hours after i got to the hospital, He was born . 2 pounds 12 ounces, 14 inches long. He was born perfectly healthy ! Just needed to gain weight.

I was so greatful that the Ronald McDonald House was right across the street from the hospital. I would've had to drive an hour everyday to and from. But with the RMH i was just a walk away. & after 53 days & 5 and a half pounds, my son got to go home.

He is now 5 and a half months & is the most happiest baby i know.

I just want to thank the Ronald McDonald House for their help that they gave us and their great staff ! With your help, I got to see my son every day & got to sleep in a comfortable bed :)

Thank You.

Thankful for this charity!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:59:25 -0500

We were so excited about having our first baby that we kept saying "i wish we could just have her already."

At only six and a half months along, I went into labor unexpectedly with our baby girl Brynlee, and she was born at 2pounds 3ounces.

We were flown to Portland, Oregon which is a 4 hour drive from our home. We didn't know what we were going to do, but thankfully the VERY kind staff at the hospital and Ronald McDonald house got in touch.

They provided a home for us during this journey (we are currently still staying here, on week 7 with about 4 more to go.)

Without this charity, I honestly do not know what we would have done... Everyone here is so amazing, I can't believe the kindness in everyone's hearts.

THANK GOD FOR RONALD MCDONALD

Ronald McDonald House Cinncinnati

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:55:43 -0500

When my first born son, Dean, was diagnosed with cancer, our pediatrician recommended we take him to Cinncinnati for his treatment. We flew with the good folks at Angel Flight to Cinncinnati where a friend of mine picked us up. Fortunately for us, the hospital called the Ronald McDonald House and we were able to move into a room. It was a short two block walk from the hospital to the RMH which helped since I had no vehicle. The staff were so kind and helpful but one of the greatest gifts was being able to share a cup of coffee with other parents in the common kitchen. Hearing their stories of their children's cancer treatment gave me insight on what to expect. But it was the mother who told me of her daughter's death who helped prepare me for my own son's loss. This is not a happy, feel good story obviously. But, here I am, 22 years after my son's death and still harbor love and respect for the Cinncinnati Ronald McDonald House and the overall program. I always drop my change into the Ronald McDonald box because I know the program works and changes lives - it did mine. Thanks again so much for your help when I was in such a desperate time of my life. Sincerely, Jocelyn Moore

Prays of hope

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:56:51 -0500

My niece was just diagnosed with leukemia this past Sunday. She is 4 and will be 5 on the 16th of this month. She is in the hospital in laff. Louisiana. She is on her second blood transfusion right now.

Food

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:47:01 -0500

I love McDonald