125 Steps from His Son
What goes through your head when you receive a phone call saying that your son was in a severe car accident – That he was in critical condition at a hospital – That he might not make it?
First, you might think, “Will he live?” Or “Will I ever see him again?”
These were just some of the thoughts that circled around Denny Jones’ mind when he heard that his son Jacob was fighting for his life at South Bend Memorial Hospital after a traumatic accident.
When Denny’s focus needed to be on his son and making sure that he got the best treatment possible, he didn’t want the stress that went along with thinking about where to stay, what to eat, and how to afford to be by Jacob’s bedside. When Denny entered the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Memorial Hospital, his focus continued to be right where it should, on Jacob.
“The social worker at the hospital told us about the Ronald McDonald Family Room, and they said they’d take care of us as long as we needed, ‘at no charge!’ said Denny Jones. “I explained to them that the Doctor had told us that if he lives he could be in the hospital for months. They told me only to concentrate on my son and that they would take care of the rest. And they did.”
The Jones family stayed at the Ronald McDonald Family Room – a place of respite and refuge 125 steps from Jacob’s bedside – for nearly 8 weeks. And each day they were greeted by volunteers who treated them like family. They helped the Jones family through a confusing and scary time by offering selfless compassion, providing warm meals, having fresh cups of coffee ready, and alleviating what could have been a tremendous financial burden. In all, the program, its staff and volunteers gave the Jones family strength that they in turn could pass along to Jacob.
It’s been nearly a year since Jacob’s accident and currently he is in a healthcare facility for children. He is doing well – recovering in a wheelchair and making improvements every day. Jacob is a living testament to the power of having family close-by, 125 steps away, when you are fighting for your life.
Today, there are 161 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 19 countries keeping families, like the Joneses, steps away from their loved ones in the hospital.
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Noris Vidal
16/07/2012 2:27pm
Wao,very outstanding testimony.Glory to God for that great miracle.It impact my life greatly.ALSO i wish Denny many years to come.His a living testimony.Also i.m greateful for the job that RMH HAS TO OFFER ALL OVER.Specially the volunteers and staff .Thanks MCDONALD, YOU ROCK.NV.
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Candace Jacskon
01/09/2011 2:50pm
It's definetly a blessing from god and the love he recivied is a total blessing that he made it through.
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Ami Logan
15/08/2011 12:52am
Although I have been blessed (knock on wood) with never needing the RMH, reading these stories have literally brought a tear to my eye as a mom who would move heaven and earth for my children. I truly hope that someone in charge of such an extraordinary organization would see for themselves the humble 'thank you' I offer for the extraordinary service provided.
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Tamara Perry
08/06/2011 4:17pm
Awesome story from a family who really needed it! We never know where life will take us and just to know that there are great people like the volunteers of RMH to help in the hardest times is very heartwarming.
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maria vlassopoulos
22/03/2011 11:30pm
If i had a child, i would be extrememly grately for this program this is amazing.
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11/03/2011 5:59pm
So glad to read that Jacob is doing so well. We were blessed to be able to stay with Ronald McDonald twice when my daughter has been critically ill, and know how good these people are. Fantastioc story, will share and pass it on. Prayers to the Jones family. :)
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Cynthia Cherkaoui
11/03/2011 2:26pm
As someone who knows EXACTLY how this family feels, I am glad to hear Jacob is doing better! My daughter was in a similar accident in Northern Virginia last April...we stayed at the Ronald McDonald House there at Fairfax Hospital for 6 months! It was truly a blessing as we were 8 hours from our home in Tennessee. The people in the house became our family and I will cherish the love and support they gave me in my family's darkest hours!
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Michael Humphrey
04/03/2011 8:04am
The Ronald McDonald house is doing such great things for families. Accidents, by their very nature, catch you off-guard, unprepared and ill-suited to deal with them...emotionally...geographically...financially. The help and support, the care and warmth, the hospitality and compassion that the Ronald McDonald house shared with our family exceeded anything I might have expected from any philanthropic foundation outthere. No one can be adequately prepared when tragedy strikes their family but when it does, the Ronald McDonald houses are ready...to help. Their presence, for our family, alleviated so much of the stress that could have compounded an already tenuous situation and serve to speed up the healing process for everyone involved. Thank you so much.
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Carol Rosenquist
03/03/2011 7:24am
Ronald McDonald Family rooms are a huge blessing! Even living near the hospital in Nashville, it eases the mental burden just to get out of the hospital room and sit in a more relaxed setting, maybe eat some peanut butter crackers or soup and visit with someone for a few minutes. It is a very wonderful service and blessing. For people like Denny it is a godsend.
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