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4,745 Days to Count on an Open Door

Families that have stayed at a Ronald McDonald House often describe it as a place of light and hope in a time of darkness.

Some of that light comes from the inviting environment of the House – the comfortable furnishing, friendly staff and volunteers, and heartwarming aromas of a kitchen that always promises a home-cooked meal.

A lot of the light comes from other families though - families that share stories of strength and survival that many times shed light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Families that have been long-time guests at a Ronald McDonald House offer a particularly strong light and the Crawford family is a shining example. Their daughter Jena suffered a brain aneurism three weeks after her birth. Her family rushed her to the nearest hospital about an hour away from their house without thinking about how long they’d be away, how severe the complications would be, and how much uncertainty they’d endure. After Jena was admitted to the hospital, they referred the Crawfords to the Ronald McDonald House next door. It didn’t matter that they hadn’t packed and prepared for Jena’s hospitalization; the House was there to fill in the gaps.

The doctors didn’t expect Jena to live through the night, but she did. And she kept fighting and persevering with her family by her side. Thirteen years later, Lori Crawford refers to her daughter Jena as the “energizer bunny.” Although disabled and frequently in the hospital, Jena doesn’t lack in spirit and energy. She keeps going, she keeps surviving, and she keeps a smile on her face. And her family knows that just like the past 4,745 days, the doors will always be open at the Ronald McDonald House so they can be close-by Jena when she needs it most.

In 2010 alone, the Crawford family spent about 140 nights at the Ronald McDonald House in Dayton. That’s 140 nights that Jena was able to have her mother, father and three siblings around to give her strength as she fought through her medical complications. That’s also 140 nights that the Crawfords were able to show other families that there’s always hope.

Among many, Lori has a special memory of her experience at the Ronald McDonald House of Dayton. Last year, her family was chosen to light up the House for the holidays. They were the focal point of a holiday reception and even showcased on the news that evening. It wasn’t just the House that lit up the community that night; it was Jena’s life, which gleamed for all families to see.

Comments (3)|(Hide)

  • Miranda32Nancy

    06/07/2011 12:18am

    If you are in a not good position and have got no cash to move out from that point, you will require to take the <a href="http://bestfinance-blog.com/topics/mortgage-loans">mortgage loans</a>. Because it would aid you for sure. I get financial loan every single year and feel myself good because of this.

  • Tami Grove

    08/06/2011 8:28am

    Who knew that God would use Julie's little sister to show us all what really matters in life. Thank you for being who you are. Love to you all.

  • Rhonda Crawford

    08/06/2011 12:02am

    In my work I see lots of families/moms with special needs children. None of them have the patience and complete dedication to their child and still maintain the rest of her family and their needs and activities as Lori does. I am so proud to know her as a friend and commrad for CMC and Ronald McDonald House.

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