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Meeting Mrs. Dunham

By Khamid and Antoinette, Ronald McDonald House New York Press Crew

A couple members of The Press Crew, a group of thoughtful children staying at the Ronald McDonald House New York who contribute to a quarterly publication about life at the House, recently sat down with Linda Dunham, chairman of the RMHC Board of Trustees.

Antoinette and Khamid, both fighting cancer and gaining strength at the House in New York, conducted and wrote the following interview with Linda, helping us get to know this inspirational leader with a passion for the health and well being of children a little better.

 

Khamid: How long have you been a part of RMHC? How did you first become a part of it?

Linda: I have been associated with RMHC for 21 years. I got started at the House on 86th Street. I went there for a visit. While there I just kept thinking “I have to get involved.” I was asked to join the Board, and the rest is history. It started with a visit.

Antoinette: As Chairman of the Board, what do you do?

Linda: It sounds like a really big job, but it’s a fun job. I make sure that the affairs of the Charity are orderly, that we have good governance in place and that we have a sound strategic plan. And I get to be a spokesperson for the Charity.

Khamid: What’s the best part of your job?

Linda: The best part of the job is meeting people like you.

Antoinette: I know that you’re one of the biggest Owner-Operators in New York. Do you feel a special connection to the New York House?

Linda: I do. I feel this is my “home House,” I call it that, because this is where I got started.

Antoinette: Why is helping children and families so important to you?

Linda: It’s important to me because I’m so fortunate - I have a son, who’s a healthy young, grown man, and when I got involved, I was especially appreciative that my son was healthy. I wanted to try to help families who might not be as fortunate.

Antoinette: If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

Linda: One, I would want every child to have a healthy and happy life. Two, I would wish for world peace. And three, on a more personal level, I would wish for a cure for cancer.

Antoinette: If I had three wishes, I would wish for nobody to have cancer, and that those people who lost the battle with cancer would come back and be able to live their normal life again, and my third wish would be that no kid could ever, ever get cancer.

Linda: I wish the same.

Khamid: My first wish would be to know no sickness. My second wish would be for all to have a better life, and my third wish is for my whole family to be happy.

Linda: Those are universal, and very important. I agree.

Khamid: When you walk into a Ronald McDonald House, how do you feel?

Linda: I feel proud. I feel absolutely proud that I have had the opportunity to be a part of this organization and make this place available to families and children who really need it.

Khamid: Who is your hero?

Linda: My husband is my hero. He passed away in May. He’s my hero.

Antoinette: What is your favorite food?

Linda: French fries! I love French fries. I had French fries today at lunch.

Antoinette: My favorite food is seafood, but if I had to choose, crab legs.

Khamid: My favorite food is everything with potato.

Linda: You and me both. So how are you adjusting to food here in America, from your country?

Khamid: I don’t really like eating it. I like home cooked food. But I love McDonald’s.

Linda: I have to agree! The best fries in the world are at McDonald’s.

Comments (1)|(Hide)

  • Shannon Krone

    17/07/2012 12:21pm

    This interview with Mrs. Dunham brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. What an absolutely endearing interview!

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