29 Mar Staff Spotlight: “It’s a dream come true” for Volunteer Manager Adam

Posted at 09:00h in News, Staff Spotlight by

March 30, 2021

Adam Smith
Position: Volunteer Manager
Time at RMHC: 2 years
Hometown: Hanover, PA

Adam and his wife Pam live in Chandler with their energetic five-year-old, Lily. Pam is a Pediatric Endocrinologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Tell us about staying at Ronald McDonald House® as a child.
When I was born, I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Atresia. At only one day old, I underwent my first of four open heart surgeries in a period of 18 months at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. During the next 18 months, as I underwent a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, my parents spent a total of about 40 nights at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey.

What did you love most about staying there?
To this day, I still recall what the lobby looked and smelled like. The lobby had a beautiful curved wooden staircase that led to the second floor and the House always smelled of sweet bakery items. I even remember the toy I received one time from the House. It was a 3-D puzzle of Yankee Stadium, and while I have never been a Yankees’ fan, the gift was special because I remember how much it cheered me up following my procedure. It didn’t matter how much pain I was in or how tired I was, I remember I just wanted to get home so I could put the puzzle together.

What does it mean to you and your family to be working at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona?
For me, it’s a dream come true to finally have the opportunity to join an organization that meant so much to me, and especially my parents, when I was young. To be able to give back and to inspire other families I meet is an incredible feeling.

What is your favorite part about being a Volunteer Manager?
There are so many “favorite parts.” I’d say interacting with the volunteers and sharing my passion for the organization with them. My hope is that my passion will inspire them to not only continue to volunteer but to share our story with their friends and family and inspire their friends and family to get involved as well.