Meet José! Prior to his daughter, he didn’t know what a Ronald McDonald House did. Now living 200 miles away from the hospital where his daughter has treatment, he’s learning what it means to have a home away from home.
"My daughter's story is unique[...] Her mind shut down from the overwhelming panic, stress, and fear she felt after being bullied [...] We’ve been searching for answers for five years, and finally, here in the ICU, they found the problem. After three years of not speaking, my daughter now speaks, moves normally, and does everything on her own. And with the support from Ronald McDonald House—their support is truly on another level.
When you don’t know how a Ronald McDonald House works, it’s just a place you pass by; we see its sign. We may not fully understand what it is or how it works, but for all of us here, it means receiving full support-- We are definitely grateful.”
For José, a typical day at the House looks like... waking up at 4am to visit his daughter in the hospital, then coming back to the House for breakfast. “The smile you see when a staff member walks in—that's the perfect way to start the day. The breakfasts are better than in restaurants, especially because the people who come to cook for us genuinely care [...] I’ve spoken with some of them, and they’ve gone through the same situation as I have.” Then in the afternoon, he’ll rest a bit and “have some cupcakes and something to drink with coffee—just enough to regain our strength and head back to the hospital” before returning to the House again for dinner.
He’s also met other families from Israel, India, Spain, Mexico, and Turkey – those who are all staying at the House to be close to their child’s medical treatment. “We’re all going through the same thing. We all have a family member in the hospital, and we get to know other cultures through the shared pain we’re experiencing. We can all relate.”
“When I go home, I'll talk to all my friends and tell them about it. They ask me, ‘How are you getting by financially?’ I say, ‘It is thanks to the Ronald McDonald House.’
To those who don't really know what the Ronald McDonald House is like—when you see those ads asking you to donate, do it with joy because you never know when you or someone you love might need it. I used to be one of those people who thought everything was perfect—that my health and my children's health would always be fine. But it wasn't. I was completely wrong. So, I encourage all of you to help with anything. You'll feel fulfilled knowing that behind every donation you make, families from all over the world come here—and we'll be grateful for the rest of our lives. It makes a big difference.”
