01 Jul Kerry’s Corner: July 2020

The House is quieter these days. And though I am eagerly awaiting the days of excitement and bustle of a full House, this time has given me a chance to reflect on just how important our mission is to families.

What has always been true, but never clearer, is that pediatric illness doesn’t just happen when it’s convenient for families or when the economy is strong. It happens regardless of a global pandemic and in the face of high unemployment rates. In those moments of the highest uncertainty, Ronald McDonald House is there to support families and provide them with the thing that matters most – each other.

While it breaks our hearts not to be able to welcome new families into our Houses right now, we know that our support is still needed. Although resources are limited, we are committed to help.

In April, our Global organization granted chapters around the world with funds to help us continue our mission. In partnership with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Cardon Children’s Medical Center, we have allocated a portion of these funds to cover stays at local hotels for patients being treated by a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. These specialists treat high risk pregnancies, complicated cases for both the mother and her unborn child. Often times, these babies need neonatal care before birth, specialized care after delivery or are sent to the neonatal intensive care unit for ongoing care.  We are proud to work alongside our hospital partners to provide accommodations for this specialized high-risk cohort.

For the families who have been with us since March when the pandemic unfolded, we have continued to provide them with a “home-away-from-home” at our Houses. Our incredible community has stepped up by donating over $28,000 to our Dinnertime Heroes program. This has guaranteed healthy meals for families and ensured that this vital program can withstand even when our volunteers aren’t on-site to prepare delicious dinners each night.

All of this, and the constant sustainability of our mission, is possible because of individuals like YOU who have supported us through our 35-year history. It’s possible because of incredible corporate champions like JFQ Lending who, in the middle of a crisis, donated $50,000 in May that will provide 467 nights of rest for families. It is ALL possible because our community understands that when your loved ones are in the midst of their toughest battles, togetherness means everything.

So, while we patiently wait for the usual activity of the House to resume, we want to make sure that you know how grateful we are for your steadfast generosity. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU.

With gratitude,

Kerry Schulman
Chief Executive Officer