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How the Ronald McDonald Family Room is making a difference in the lives of patients, families
01/18/22 03:15:pmSince opening in August 2021, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® inside the Ladish Co. Foundation Center has been positively impacting the lives of patients and their families.
Below, Family Room volunteers share meaningful moments they’ve had so far and express their gratitude for the opportunity to help others. Submissions were kept anonymous to respect the privacy of our volunteers, patients, and families.
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“As a regular volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House®, I knew the Ronald McDonald Family Room would be a wonderful addition to Rogers and another good volunteer opportunity. I recently gave a tour of the Family Room to a new family and told them about the [Ronald McDonald House in Wauwatosa] for overnight accommodation. I could see them visibly relaxing, knowing there were many resources available to help them during such a stressful time. Their smiles as they left are what makes volunteering here so worthwhile for me.”
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“The Ronald McDonald House’s mission is near and dear to my heart so when the Family Room opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance to be part of it. Being able to keep families together when their child is going through something incredibly difficult is crucial to healing. Mental health is no different, and in today’s world, it’s even more critical that it gets the focus it needs. Being able to be that friendly face for the families that come into the Family Room and help provide that space where they can be with their kids, or just take a break, is such a special thing. Even if we don’t exchange too many words, I think the families feel some comfort knowing that there are people there who care for them and their families. Many people come from very far away to get treatment at Rogers, and this room just provides a little bit of home for them when they can’t be at their own homes.”
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“My kids and my grandchildren are healthy. Volunteering in the Family Room is a way of showing gratitude for many blessings and hoping to bring moments of peace and comfort to families in need.”
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“Seeing families spend time together cooking, laughing, and playing games is rewarding and uplifting. Some patients are at Rogers for extended periods of time and watching them relax and unwind in the Family Room shows how important it is to their progress and positivity. Even if they’re just in there for an hour, eating a snack, and being away from the inpatient area brightens their mood. The Family Room creates a sense of normalcy for patients and a place they feel safe.
“[Ronald McDonald House Charities® Eastern Wisconsin] has done an incredible job with the aesthetic of the Family Room, as well as the supplies and resources. The brightness and big windows allow lots of light into the room and make it a warm place. With games, art, books, and more, there’s something for everyone to do. Sharing a space and doing their own activities allows the Family Room guests to bond.”