Making a Difference
by Jennifer Chrisman
I would like to introduce my family. There is my husband Jack, his 11-year old son Sawyer, and my 4- yr old twins Garrett and Jessica. Then Jack and I had our baby girl Krystal Rayne, born August 10, 2009.
Four years ago my twins were born 6 weeks premature. At that time, I had a brief stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield while my twins were in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for eight days at Saint Josephís Children’s Hospital. I remember when I was first given my tour around the House. I could not believe all of the space and things provided for the people that stayed there. Today those same feelings are intensified.
When Krystal was born, she was twelve weeks premature and weighed two pounds and 5.8 ounces. She was fifteen inches long. At the time we had been living in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Since Krystal was in the NICU in Marshfield, we made arrangements to stay at the Ronald McDonald House across the street. From the moment we arrived we were treated with the warm, caring hospitality that I remembered.
The Staff and Volunteers are so kind and welcoming that it helps take away some of the pain from the reason you are there. There are also Volunteers in the surrounding communities that provide supper on the weekdays, which really can take some of the stress out of a long, hard day at the hospital.
The Ronald McDonald House in Marshfield provides you with food, a bedroom, children’s play areas, and a computer with internet access, video games, movies, a sun room, television, laundry rooms, and fully-stocked bathroom, laundries and kitchen-dining area. It is amazing what they have been able to provide due to all of the wonderful donors. All of the donations truly make a difference to the families with children in the hospital.
After about four weeks, Jack and I felt it would be best to move to Marshfield. Even though we had moved out of the Ronald McDonald House, we were still offered caring support. Not only was the Staff still there to listen, they enjoyed seeing us and hearing all of the new updates about Krystal. These people truly care!
Krystal stayed in the hospital for ten weeks. She had only minor hurdles to overcome and, for that, we are grateful. There are many other families that have much longer, harder stays than we experienced. No matter what the reasons or length of stay, the Ronald McDonald House makes a difference.
We would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all the Staff, Volunteers, and Donors. Jack and I give special thanks to Staff members Sandy, Martha, and Georgi.