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17 Diaries

There are two Ronald McDonald Houses Hawaii

Within these two Houses are a total of 17 rooms for families to rest and find comfort when they’re taking care of their child in the hospital. And in each of these rooms, there’s a diary. It’s not just any diary, it’s a perpetual diary to be shared among families who stay at the House – a book where thoughtful words come to life offering consolation and hope in uncertain circumstances.

Dan Mersburgh, a guest at one of the Houses, found just that in the diary in his room when his daughter Ruth was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of five. When Dan’s and his family’s world looked dim, they found hope in the stories of strength, support and love found within their room. And in time, Dan contributed his story: 

“In the beginning, when things were really tough for Ruth, she would cry and say she wanted to go home to Kona.  Charlene and I felt as though we could just melt and burst into tears when we heard this.  We knew how hard and how long Ruth’s treatment would be.  We also knew it probably meant staying on Oahu most, if not the entire time.

After the first of what would be eight treatments, Ruth was cleared to be discharged.  Jeff, our social worker, suggested we check into a hotel or maybe the Ronald McDonald House.  We chose the latter. And this is when the love of the House kicked in.  The staff, volunteers and fellow guests opened their arms and took our family in.  For the next eleven months, they gave our family support, friendship, hope and most importantly, normalcy in the face of a chaotic situation.

As Ruth’s treatments wore on, we would continue to experience difficulties and setbacks.  Ruth would cry and say “I want to go home!”  But there was one important difference.  The “home” Ruth cried for now was no longer in Kona - It was the Ronald McDonald House!

Thank you Ronald McDonald House for the big part you played in saving our family.”

Much Aloha,

Dan Mersburgh

Today, Ruth is enjoying her life as a little girl should and she enriches the lives of everyone she meets. Now nine years old, Ruth is a part of the ever-growing living support system of RMHC – her story, now written in one of the 17 diaries in Hawaii, gives the next family staying there more inspiration to fight through the storm. 

Watch Ruth's PSA

Comments (5)|(Hide)

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    23/08/2011 6:19am

    Really great article with very interesting information. You might want to follow up to this topic!?! 2012

  • Tamara Perry

    29/03/2011 4:02pm

    Great video! This is what RMH is all about, keeping families together in the hardest times!

  • Jasmine

    06/03/2011 3:40pm

    I really like your message because it really relates to the Ronald McDonald House really well!

  • juan csateanda

    03/03/2011 3:35pm

    we mii to fiday
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