Select the story you'd like to read:

  • Individual Stories

  • Corporate Stories

  • Volunteer Stories

  • General Stories

What I Wish I Knew

When your child is diagnosed with a serious medical problem, life can become very stressful very quickly. Not only do you have to understand what the doctor is telling you, but you also have to keep your family and life together. 

Melanie’s daughter, Maddie, had her first heart surgery when she was one week old. By the time she was 4, she’d undergone multiple surgeries and needed a heart transplant. So she could receive the care she needed, Maddie and her family traveled from Orlando to St. Louis, where they stayed at a Ronald McDonald House. Melanie learned a great deal about her family and her family’s strength during her daughter’s treatments.

She has this advice for families:

  • When people offer to help, let them. The volunteers at the House want to make your stay there as comfortable as possible.
  • Be ready to bond with others who are going through the same experience. It’s okay to open up to strangers and to create an emotional connection and friendship with other families at the House.
  • Help one another. Other parents will be there for you as well.
  • Don’t be afraid to hug people or hold their hands, even if they’re from another family. You will see and feel how powerful the human touch is.
  • Give the House’s address to friends and family so they can show their support by sending cards, letters or care packages.
  • Know where the nearby pharmacies and walk-in clinics are before you need them. When you’re stressed, it’s easy to become ill yourself.
  • Get exercise by taking short walks. Exercise not only helps you stay in shape, but it is also reduces stress.
  • Take advantage of clergy or other faith services offered by the House or the hospital. You will need faith and strength during this time.
  • Take care of yourself so you can be strong for your child. Use all the resources that the House offers.

 

 

 

 

Comments|(Hide)

No one has commented on this page yet.

  1. Comment on This Story

    1. Comment as a Guest

    *Required

    Max 1,000 Characters

    This is a security feature to protect your privacy and the site.

  2. 2. Comment through Facebook

    Use your Facebook account to log in and leave a comment that can be shared with your Facebook friends, too.