“My daughter, Violet, was born with a complex heart defect. Cincinnati Children’s is one of the top hospitals in the country for pediatric cardiac care, and we are lucky enough to receive care there.

I think everyone has heard of Ronald McDonald House and the wonderful work they do! When I was receiving care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before Violet was born, our social worker let us know about your house and familiarized us with the process of applying for a room.

Being able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House has been a tremendous help to us in so many ways! Financially, we don’t have to worry about a hotel. The cost is astronomical, and they don’t offer half of the programs and support that Ronald McDonald House does.

Mentally and physically, I was able to take a break and leave the hospital. I developed a routine everyday – up at 6, get ready for the day, then over to the hospital by 8 for rounds. I would go back to RMHC for lunch and dinner. I would finally leave the hospital for the day around 10:30 or 11 pm.

The staff and all of the volunteers are so incredibly welcoming and genuinely care about your child. During one of Violet’s stays, we were about to get discharged. The nurse had printed out the paperwork and told me to go get the car seat. I checked out of RMHC around noon. However, Violet’s oxygen started dropping and we weren’t able to leave after all. Being so close to going home and then finding out that it’s not safe for your child to leave is absolutely crushing. I called RMHC in the hopes that I could spend just one night in the hospital and be checked back in the next day. The staff and volunteers went above and beyond to find me a room the same day that I had checked out.

Donating to Ronald McDonald House is providing so much more than just a place to stay for families. You are supporting their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Whether you donate money, snacks, or toiletries or your organization serves a meal, you are providing comfort and care to people who are already dealing with so much. Parents especially put themselves on the back burner when their child is sick. Ronald McDonald House Charities make sure that they get a chance to rest and recharge, taking away external pressures so that they can take care of themselves and their child.

I want to thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities donors, staff, and volunteers for their kindness and dedication in supporting families with sick children. I truly wish that no family ever needed this, that no child was so sick as to require extended care in a hospital far away from home. Unfortunately, that’s not our reality.

I am so incredibly grateful that Ronald McDonald House is there to help!” – Emily, guest mom