Today, I want to spotlight an organization that is near and dear to my heart, The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington DC. Shortly after my son was born, I moved into the Ronald McDonald House and stayed there for six weeks. Staying there, allowed me to be able to spend more time with my son being that I live two hours away from the hospital where he was being treated. Every morning, I would wake up before 6am to get ready. I would call the front desk to order an Uber to transport me to the hospital. They provided one free round trip daily to the hospital. Prior to leaving for the day, I would stop by the fully loaded kitchen for breakfast and to grab a snack bag for the day. After spending 12 hours at the hospital, I would call the front office to arrange for an uber ride for pickup. Once I arrived back to the RMH, there would be a cooked meal in the kitchen. I had my own room with a full bathroom. The room was clean and spacious. They gave K.O. his first pair of shoes. There was always free toys and toiletries sitting out for the families. I cried with the lady who worked at the front office several times. I was able to share my story with the other families who lived there and was able to listen to theirs. I still pray for those families and wonder how they are doing. The suggestion donation was $15 dollars per night but that would never cover the cost of what they gave me…. more time with my son.
Last night, I saw that the RMHC of Greater DC posted their Amazon wish list requesting COVID-19 at-home test kits and N95, KN95, FFP, or equivalent masks. They also have several additional items on their wish list such as food, cleaning supplies, and blankets.
I am asking that you all take a look at their list to see if you are able to purchase at least one item. There are items as low as $6.99 on the list.
I have posted photos of myself that were taken while I was outside early one morning awaiting the arrival of my uber driver. These are not very flattering photos of myself, but they embody my NICU experience…..rough but trying to keep the faith.
Please join me in supporting the RMHCDC.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I hope you write once more very soon!
Our daughter was born at 33 weeks and the Ronald McDonald house (in Lansing, Mi) provided us with the same care you described here—during one of the hardest times in my life. Your description of your days spent at the RMH brought tears to my eyes. I recall being so eternally grateful for their help & support so that we could be close to our sweet girl. She spent 3 weeks in the NICU and our stay with the RMH meant we didn’t have to drive over 3 houses a day to see her. Instead – we were down the street, not even a block away from the hospital. We did not have to spend thousands of dollars on a hotel room. And costly meals. Instead, we were in a safe, clean & peaceful environment where we were could begin to process the traumatic event of her early birth.
Thank you for sharing this and reminding me of this time. Forever grateful to the RMH!
Hi Kriya! Thank you for sharing your experience with the RMH. RMH is indeed a truly wonderful organization.