16 Jan A Recipe for Comfort: Honoring Maeva Sol

As the sun rises on a beautiful Saturday morning in December, the Dobson House kitchen at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona is filled with the sounds of Haley Marin and members of her extended family cheerfully chopping, stirring, and preparing another hearty breakfast for the guests.

It’s now among the ways the Marin family volunteers every holiday season and every July.

Their goal is simple yet meaningful – to bring a moment of comfort to parents staying at the Dobson House in Mesa, whose children are facing life-altering or even life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

For Haley, this act of service is deeply personal. It’s a way to honor her daughter, Maeva Sol, who passed away in 2022, at just 22 days old.

Haley’s connection to Ronald McDonald House began unexpectedly, at an airport in Chicago. She was traveling with her two-year-old son when her water broke during a layover in the Windy City. Only 27 weeks pregnant and nearly 2,000 miles from home, Haley gave birth at a nearby hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Her husband flew to Chicago to join his wife and son, and the three of them stayed at a Ronald McDonald House in the area while Maeva Sol fought for her life.

Maeva Sol lived just over three weeks before passing away due to complications of prematurity. Despite their grief, the Marins were grateful to have been so close to her during her short life, supported by the comforts of Ronald McDonald House during such a difficult time.

“We were so appreciative of all of the meals that people prepared while we were staying at Ronald McDonald House,” said Haley. “After we came home to Arizona, we knew we wanted to do something at a local Ronald McDonald House to honor Maeva Sol.”

The family began by donating wish list items to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona, gathering snacks, household essentials, and gift cards with the help of friends and family. That first Christmas, they delivered a full carload of donations.

Now, each year for Maeva Sol’s birthday in July and again during the holiday season, the family finds a way to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona –    organizing a meal, baking sweet treats, or delivering donations.

“People don’t realize how much these small acts mean to families who are staying here,” Haley said. “And I appreciate how many different ways we can volunteer or help out so it doesn’t feel like we have to do the same thing every time.”

Haley’s sister in Ohio has also started honoring Maeva Sol by volunteering with her local Ronald McDonald House Charities, creating a ripple effect of generosity across state lines.

Whether through preparing meals, baking goodies, or collecting donated items, Haley’s goal is to provide the same sense of comfort and support her family received during their stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities. Just as importantly for Haley, every act of service is a way to keep Maeva Sol’s memory alive.