Everyone has heard of the Ronald McDonald House's but how many of you have ever actually seen or visited one? I know when I was growing up I would hear about them but I never saw or heard any real information about them except they were a place for families to stay who had children in the hospital.
What no one talks about is how wonderful they are. Several years ago I went to my first EB Center clinic visit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center. Even though I am an adult with no children, because I have EB and was being seen at CCHMC I qualified to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. At that time I was going through a very difficult time physically, emotionally and financially and I had absolutely no money to pay for anything so I was nervous about staying there as I felt I would be looked down on or made to feel unwelcome since I could not afford to pay the miniscule fee they ask for.
I could not have been more wrong. The staff at the house was so friendly, kind and welcoming. They treated me with dignity and respect and it did not matter to them that I could not afford to pay. One of the staff members took me into a comfortable office/conference room to go over the registration process. When the subject of the $25 nightly fee was brought up I explained my situation and that I was not able to pay. She simply gave me one financial aid form to fill out, which was the proof they need for their records explaining why I could not pay, and it was never mentioned again. After the papers were signed she gave me a canvas bag filled with goodies. I was so surprised! It was filled with toiletry items, puzzle books, a handheld electronic massager (with batteries included!), notepads and pens, a small handmade blanket, a soft, fluffy bunny and much more. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and near tears when she handed me the bag. Everyone I met there treated me with compassion, dignity and respect and I was made to feel so welcome and loved. Ronald McDonald House's are not just a place to sleep at night and store your belongings while you are at the hospital. It truly is a home away from home.
Ronald McDonald House by most Children's Hospital's. The Ronald McDonald Houses (RMH) are amazing. You never hear about them or how much they help people. Their general nightly rate is $25 (it may be different in other states but it shouldn't be much more than that) and if you can't pay that much then you pay as much as you can, even if it's only $5 a night. If you can't afford that, you fill out a financial aid form and if you qualify you pay nothing. There are other ways to help raise funds for the RMH. They have yearly 5K runs, there are the boxes at every McDonald's inside AND at every drive thru so if you aren't able to pay for your stay there are other ways you can help :)
They have a large kitchen/dining area that has, within it, 4-6 full kitchen areas (counter, dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, sink, dishes, utensils etc...) that you can you use for cooking your own meals. You get your own pantry, refrigerator and freezer space for your groceries, however, there are volunteers that cook dinner every day of the week (included in your stay) and often volunteers that cook lunch as well. They have a pantry with dry and canned foods that you can use and cook for yourself or if you want to make a special treat for the other guests. You are just asked to clean up after yourself. They also supply dairy products (Milk, eggs, yogurt, butter, cheese) and basic staples like bread, peanut butter, jelly, condiments and applesauce and juices. There are always leftovers from a previous meal and you are encouraged to eat leftovers so they don't have to be thrown out, but you don't have to. I bought groceries but honestly, I never used any of them during my stay. I didn't need to.
They also have laundry facilities,
multiple entertainment areas with TV, VCR/DVD and a movie selection you
can borrow movies from. Their is a PC and Internet station, library and
craft room. They offer free tickets to local attractions (Zoo's,
Aquariums etc...) and also have outdoor play areas. The only thing is
that rooms are on a first come first serve basis. You call the RMH 24
hours before your appointment and they put you on the waiting list.
Normally, by the time you arrive or later that day they may have a room
for you. There is a possibility you might have to stay a night in a
hotel while you are waiting for a room to open up, but they will get you
in as soon as possible. I only had to stay one night in a hotel, but I
know many others who didn't have to. It just depends on how full they
are. There is no time limit for your stay. As long as you or your
child is either in the hospital or being treated out patient by the
hospital then you can stay as long as you need to.
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