Ronald McDonald House

It has been a crazy two weeks, but I am now moved into my new dorm and just finished my first week of senior year! It's definitely going to be an emotional year... For now, I want to fill you in on a recent appearance.

I've always wanted to visit the Ronald McDonald House in NYC. With a little help from a good friend, Carla Murino, I got my chance. While being treated for leukemia, Dominic stayed in another Ronald McDonald House and I was excited to see all of the amazing things that I knew this organization provided.

"The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children." They are a "home away from home" for families with children being treated in the area. There are currently over 300 Ronald McDonald Houses in 52 countries and regions. The Ronald McDonald House in NYC is the biggest in the country of its kind. There are no families there from around the New York/Metropolitan area, but rather families from as far as Greece. I also found out that each individual house is in charge of its own funding and it takes $20,000 to run the NYC house per day!

Nick, my mom, and I ventured into the city on August 17th. I brought with me a little craft basket to give to the kids. When we entered the house, it was like stepping into another world. The craziness of the city was left behind and we walked into a serene, comforting environment. We were greeted by a woman at the front desk & asked to sign in and create our ID badges.

Fordham Murdy, the Evening Program Manager, came down to welcome us and begin our tour. Walking from room to room, I couldn't believe how "homey" it really felt. I was picturing a more hotel-like setting, but it wasn't that way at all! In fact, they don't like when you use the word hotel to describe them because they pride themselves on being a home away from home for these families. The house was equipped with a living room donated by Macy's, a backyard terrace, a playroom for the kids, a computer room donated by AOL, kitchens with cabinets for every family, and so much more! I was amazed as I explored every room.

To respect the privacy of the families, I did not take pictures unless I was asked to and I avoided taking pictures of the inside of the house. This is where they live (some for long periods of time) and I'm sure they wouldn't want pictures of their house all over the internet!

After our tour, we met Patrick Dunne, one of the volunteers and a man with a great heart. He told us about his experiences working in the house. "They tell us not to get attached," he said, "but how can you not get attached?" It was true because when the children began to join us for dinner, I connected with every one of them.

Abby, 4-year-old who was there with her mom, was a little apprehensive about me at first. However, after sharing a necklace with me and showing me how to play her handheld video game, she began to open up. She told me all about her journey to NYC and her favorite foods, & then asked me about myself. I was amazed by how incredibly smart she was!

After dinner, we went to the playroom to hang out with some more of the kids. One little boy, who kept pointing to my crown, was repeating a word over and over again, but I didn't understand what he was saying. His mother then told me he was calling me, "Queen! Queen!" She told me they were from Greece and had been at the house since March. Though her son didn't understand much English, we were able to play and understand each other just fine.

Also in the playroom, Nick and I read books to the little girls. He was pulled over to the couch by a little girl who wanted to read a book with him - I think I have some competition : ] I then met a mother from California who told me about her daughter who was in recovery. She had neuroblastoma and though they can't say she is in remission, because there is no cure, there is "no sign of illness" right now. After meeting her daughter and being able to speak with her, I also found out that she had a wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation! How cool is that?

My visit to the Ronald McDonald House of NYC is one I will never ever forget. Many people have asked me if it was sad and I tell all of them the same thing; Although the physical and emotional hurdles faced by these children and their families are often astronomical, it's very hard to be sad in such a warm and cheery environment. Not one child I met was anything but happy and positive. It makes you think about how much we can learn from children. They are such perfect examples of how we should all be living - with an optimistic outlook, seizing every opportunity given to us. It really put a lot of things in perspective for me and, if I get the chance, I will absolutely be visiting again. Thank you Carla and Fordham for all of your help, to Nick for driving us, and to mom for joining me!