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Letter from a Ronald McDonald House Guest

Dear Ronald McDonald House Charities supporters,

 

I have thought long and hard about how to write this letter.  There are no true words to describe the meaning and importance of a Ronald McDonald House; it brings so much love and care to people who cross the threshold of the House’s doors. 

So many people come to this House to be near Hospitals and Rehab facilities to receive treatments so vital to each of their child’s different needs.  So many families come through these doors and find Love, Hope, Friendship and a Bond they can only find with someone else going through the same situation.  And yes, some families come here and have to leave with their arms empty but their hearts are full; knowing that so many people have been there to help lighten their burden.

We were one of these families.   My Mom and I crossed that threshold August 14, 2005 for the first time in pouring rain and I am not sure which was blinding my mother’s vision more; the rain or the tears rolling down her face.  This was not something I ever imagined could happen to me.  This only happened to other people.

Our story began May 17, 2005 when I was T-boned by a dump truck.  After 6 hours of surgery, I was listed in critical but stable condition.  I suffered multiple broken bones, a ruptured spleen, a bruised body and a Traumatic Brain Injury.  As I began emerging from the coma I was in, we were given a choice of going home to limited therapy or staying in Atlanta for the intense Day Rehab recommended by my doctors and therapists.  Our decision to stay in Atlanta was based on what my parents would find at the Ronald McDonald House.   We could stay there for minimal cost and transportation to the Day Rehab was provided. The first moment my mom walked into the House she knew this was somewhere we could stay.  The atmosphere she said was not one of despair, but one of hope and healing.  

Although the atmosphere in the House gave us hope, we knew our journey was far from over.  I was still in a wheelchair, unable to stand without assistance and required 24 hour care.   This is where the Ronald McDonald House became our saving grace.   My mom was able to devote all her time and attention to me while volunteers came in to cook dinner for us. The house and yards were kept immaculately clean and neat by "house fairies" or angels, but whoever they were, they did so with respect to all the families coming and going throughout the day.  The sounds of other people in the House were very comforting and having other families around who were going through the same thing we were made the time more bearable.    The everyday running of the House with so many families interacting is just something you have to witness.  

My family could be together in a situation that could have torn us all apart. My Dad and sisters were able to come up on weekends so we could all be together.   I think my happiest time was when my Dad and Mom swapped places and Dad came to live with me at the House for two weeks.  My Mom said she didn’t realize what my Dad was going through until she went home without me.  She said home was sad and lonely and she was so scared.  My Dad realized that the House offered more than just a place to lay our heads down.  He saw the support system that wasn’t planned or bought, it just happened.  My Mom could hardly wait to get back the House to be with me.  This is when we all realized that the Ronald McDonald Houses brought a whole new meaning to the word Home.  Home is where we were able to go to get all the Love, Hope, and Grace that we all needed so much to be able to get through just one day.   

After 4 years, I can truly say, “I felt lost, but the Ronald McDonald House was the light I was looking for.”   Your generous donations make this House possible for many families like ours.

Sincerely, 

Christine Katz

"My Dad realized that the House offered more than just a place to lay our heads down.  He saw the support system that wasn’t planned or bought, it just happened.  My Mom could hardly wait to get back the House to be with me.  This is when we all realized that the Ronald McDonald Houses brought a whole new meaning to the word Home."

- Chrissy Katz

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