Special house keeps families close

Keeping families close. That's what the Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Florida is about the business of doing, day in, day out. And it's something they've been doing since first opening their doors nearly 22 years ago.

The house, operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida (RMHC), provides a home away from home for people who have seriously ill or injured children receiving treatment at Golisano Children's Hospital in Fort Myers. The house enables loved ones to remain together as a family in an environment RMHC describes as being "full of comfort, compassion, strength and support." It's a haven from the hospital, and since 1996, more than 2,500 families have stayed there.

Upon arrival, families find a homey facility with private bedroom suites, fully stocked kitchen, a dining room, living room, activities room and laundry room.

So, what did families do before the house existed? Susan Ryckman, a pediatric nurse and administrator for more than 40 years, recalls that "years ago families would sleep in rocking chairs or even on the floor of a hospital room just to remain close to their child." Ryckman, who is vice president of patient care services at the hospital, tells us she's "grateful for the invaluable gift the house provides to families when they are in their most vulnerable and fragile times."

"There's something profoundly heartfelt in the emotional stress of a family whose child is critically ill and perhaps may die," says Heidi Colgate-Tamblyn, past president of the RMHC board of directors. "To give what relief we can, for however long it takes, makes a difference to not only the parents but to all their family whether near or far," she adds.

And speaking of the length of stay, one guest who left comments on a Ronald McDonald House Guest Satisfaction Survey after being there for 90 days stated that "the place and people working there are sent from heaven." Another, following an 89 day stay, described the house as "the best place in the world," and a "home away from home in a most difficult time of our lives." Yet another called the house a "blessing," saying it "truly made our lives so much easier." Finally, a family most appreciative of the hospitality wrote, "We couldn't imagine what the last three months would have been like if not for you."

Marianne, a volunteer who simply loves her job, calls Ronald McDonald House a "house with a heart."

RMHC Marketing Director Amy Blanco describes working there, and seeing the families, as "instant gratification. It's extremely rewarding to know you've helped someone in a big way. You go from seeing families nervous and scared when they first check in, to checking out with smiles on their faces with their child in their arms." Blanco calls the feeling priceless.

RMHC Executive Director, Laura Ragain, explains that "when your child is sick, nothing else matters and nothing else should. Thanks to the generosity of our community, our guests don't have the added worry about where they'll sleep or how they'll pay for their next meal. Though we ask for a modest donation of $10 a night, no one is turned away due to inability to pay."

She adds that "whether through a memorial or in-kind donation, supporting a fundraiser, collecting pop tabs, volunteering, or by dropping spare change in donation boxes at the 56 McDonald's restaurants located across our five-county region, the scope of support from our community is remarkable and very much appreciated."

If you are interested in lending a hand in some way, please visit www.rmhcswfl.org. Everything you'll need to know is right there.

Joe Landon is a communications consultant having retired as executive director of communications for the Collier County School District. Please send suggestions for future columns to JoeLandon@Outlook.com.

Making a Difference

Joe Landon

Guest columnist