Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Ohio

You support Isaiah
The prognosis for Isaiah was not good, and doctors were bracing the family for the worst. He would need to spend his first several months of life in the hospital where doctors would perform countless surgeries. Dad had to stay at home and Isaiah's Mom, Shannon, needed a place for her family to stay near the hospital. They checked in to the Ronald McDonald House, and didn't check out for 593 days. Every birthday, holiday and special occasion was celebrated at the House. The doctors worked tirelessly to save Isaiah's life, which culminated in finally being able to go home. But packing up was surprisingly hard. See, Isaiah's sister had lived most of her life in the Ronald McDonald House - it had truly become 'home.' They will always have a place in our hearts.

You support Courtney
When Courtney was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children's Hospital with viral encephalitis, her family wasn't sure where they would stay. They weren't about to leave Courtney's side. Thankfully they were referred to the Ronald McDonald House right across the street and got a room the same day. Lloyd, Courtney's father, is a tough guy. But he had reached his breaking point when he entered the Ronald McDonald House. The volunteers at the House were there for him in his deepest time of need and made the agony a little easier to bear. Courtney's mom Brenda told us 'no one can understand the value of a place like the Ronald McDonald House until they are in situation like this themselves.' We are here for 80 families just like these every day.

You support Karsen
Life was difficult for Karsen growing up with Cystic Fibrosis. 'I could sleep twelve hours and still wake up tired,' he said. That all changed on the day the ambulance rushed him to the hospital for a double lung transplant. After waking up from surgery, he thought for the first time 'Wow, I can breathe.' Karsen stayed for a few weeks at the Ronald McDonald House during his recovery in one of our Continuing Care Suites, a comfortable and safe environment right across the street from the hospital. Before going home, we asked him what he was looking forward to the most. He said 'riding my bike - or maybe even running on the track team. I could never imagine that before, but now I feel like I can do anything.' Yes you can, Karsen.