We never thought it would happen to us. Our 1 year old child was rushed to UNMH and diagnosed with an illness that would lead to many stays in the Children’s Hospital PICU department…Having an ill child and spending your time at UNMH, you are overcome by emotion. It is full of busy physicians, hard working nurses, and many families that seem to be experiencing an unbelievable amount of stress. After meeting with doctors and grasping what your child has and/or will endure, the adrenaline rush ends and exhaustion sets in.

My husband and I took shifts watching our son in the PICU. Eventually we needed to escape the walls of our child’s room and try and feel some normalcy. We were desperate for a change of scenery and for comfort and although the nursing staff is as kind and as helpful as they can be, it is the Ronald McDonald Family Room that becomes your refuge to get away from it all.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room, designed like your favorite living room with leather chairs and a full kitchen close by, is where we always headed. It was there that we were greeted by a volunteer, offered a drink and a snack to eat, and given a chance to catch up on e-mails with friends and family on the computers provided in the room. Amazingly, we were also able to get our laundry done! It was our “room” away from home.

What was even more amazing was to see all the families that used the room. Most looked tired and broken and were happy to have a comfortable place to rest and to visit with other families going through a difficult time. Many families had other children with them that also enjoyed a snack, played one of the many board games in the room, or read a book in a comfy chair.

The Family Room has become a place of solace for my family and so many others. Unfortunately, we know the routine all too well at UNMH. So, when we have a break, we take the time to let all families we come in contact with, know about the Family Room. We will walk them there rather than point with directions. You can see their amazement when they see the room for the first time. They seem surprised that something so nice is available to them. We leave them to enjoy knowing that Ronald McDonald Family Room will make all the difference in their stay.

Sincerely,
Erin Young