During the holidays, we like to partner with an organization that is important to LGC and our community. This December we had the opportunity to give back to Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in Indianapolis. In addition to the impact RMH has on those who use its service, this charity is particularly close to us because a member of our corporate team has personal experience with them.
RMH Impact on LGC
Below, Brianna shares her story and sheds light on just how much of an impact they can have during an unimaginable time.
“My brother Jameson was born in March of 2003 in Muncie, IN. He wasn’t breathing well and was immediately put on oxygen. Later that night, he was moved to a ventilator and was then transferred to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis the next day. He was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension; high blood pressure in his lungs causing them to nearly collapse.
Jameson was delivered via C-Section, but my mom was discharged right away (even though typically a woman would stay in the hospital for 3+ days after a C-section) in order to go to Riley. The first night, my parents slept in the hospital, but the next day a room opened at the Ronald McDonald House next to the hospital. After that school week, I traveled down to Indy and spent the entire spring break of my 6th grade year of school staying at the RMH.
Rooms at the Ronald McDonald house are provided to families, at no cost or for a small donation per day, that live outside of Indianapolis but have children in Indianapolis-area hospitals in order to keep families as together as possible during tough times. Meals are provided or donated almost every night by various churches and community groups, there is a pantry stocked with food at all times for anyone staying at the house, there are washer and dryers with all needed materials provided – all for free.
Hygiene products are provided by the house or various community groups. There is a fully stocked library and game room and a private courtyard with a playground. But most importantly, they provide a private, comfortable room for families to sleep and shower throughout their child’s stay at the hospital. The goal is to make a terrible time less stressful by providing necessary amenities.
My mom and dad would have been in a very different state-of-mind had they had to stay at the hospital every night for that long stay without a proper bed, shower, or food. My mom was in pain trying to heal from a C-section, while dealing with her newborn being in the ICU at a hospital an hour away from home. While the stress of how sick Jameson was was horrible, because of the RMH we had a little bit of peace throughout our time.
Riley Hospital is an amazing hospital and is the reason my brother is alive, but Ronald McDonald House and the wonderful things they provide are often forgotten, and we’re grateful to them.”
To learn more about RMH Charities, visit their website. To learn more about LGC’s partnerships, click here.
