Family is more than shared blood at Ronald McDonald House®. It’s shared community, love, and mutual care.
Dad Kevin and mom Karen first heard of Ronald McDonald House from a friend who had past experience with the charity. When their baby, Ethan, was born prematurely at 29 weeks due, they were referred to Ronald McDonald House® Orange County (RMHOC). Even though they had heard of the charity before, they still held some apprehension... Could this really be a home for them and their children?
As it would turn out, they found more than just a home waiting for them. They found a new family, too! “[...] We've found families that have been or are going through what we're going through in similar ways,” Kevin said. “We're just able to share our stories together and just been feeling like we've made a big family here with everyone.” Day by day, they eased into a routine. Mom and dad took turns going back and forth between the hospital and staying at the House with their older son. While it wasn’t particularly easy spending their days worrying about their baby’s condition, RMHOC supported them through every moment.
“[It’s] just the fact that if our son in the hospital ever needs something or needs us there for anything, we're right across the street. And then, just having the House here is really helpful as far as the volunteers cooking, having dinner ready. So, it saves us.” RMHOC was more than a place to stay. It was a place to come back to. Kevin, Karen, and their kids were fully embraced at RMHOC, and that embrace kept them going.
Their family checked in with only a vague idea of what to expect, but after experiencing the House for themselves, it became clear just how much RMHOC helps families like theirs. “I was one of those people that would kind of be iffy when they would ask me to donate [but now] I see and now I donate because I'm in it.” In moments of uncertainty, Ronald McDonald House is a constant for families. It is truly a home.
