We just received a wonderful meal for our families tonight from Ms. Harper R. Along with the delicious items, Ms. R. presented us with a small card – a precious reminder of one of our angels. Tristen W. was born Feb. 14, 2007 in Culpeper, and transferred not long after his birth to UVa. Within days he was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD), a life threatening and incurable disease. Through all of his trials he always wore a smile – his gift to all who encountered him. He passed away unexpectedly on March 19, 2008. The card Ms. R. gave to us displayed a picture of Tristen on one side, and the following was written on the other: “This act of kindness was done in memory of Tristen Whitlock. Please pay it forward to someone else in his honor. May he continue to make people smile from heaven. Come see his story and tell us your act of kindness: www.tristenwhitlock.com”. Our hearts will always carry the memory of Tristen, and we can’t think of a more touching way for Ms. R to pass on his legacy on this – his birthday – Valentine’s Day. We will pay it forward.
A Job Well Done
There are times when someone’s effort on behalf of the House is so moving that it inspires all of us to push ourselves a bit further. Our friend, Suzy D., is one of those inspirational individuals. Suzy is a faithful member of the Zion United Methodist Church women’s group. Back in the fall the group wanted someone to take over leadership of their pop-tab collection drive for the House. There is no glamorous aspect to heading up pop-tab collections, but Suzy did it anyway – and she did it well. Miss Suzy graced us with her presence the other day to turn over the results of her effort, and it was most appreciated. She should be very proud of herself. And the members of this wonderful group should be proud of themselves, as well. As we often say around here: “They are truly cut of the servant’s cloth”. Thank you, Suzy and women of ZUMC. You are a blessing to us! 
We have received quite a few holiday cards this week from former House families. They contain lovely notes updating us on their little ones and letting us know how much they appreciated the House. We can’t tell you how much it means to us to receive these cards. Perhaps it speaks to the special, unbroken tie that binds us to all of the families who have traveled our halls, or perhaps it comes at that time of the year when we are all a bit more melancholy, but these cards and pictures certainly bring smiles (and sometimes tears) to our faces and warm our hearts. It is so wonderful to see these little ones – and their families – doing so well. That is the very best present we could receive. Thank you, families!
In Praise of The English Inn
(from Facebook) We want to use our “chat” time with you today to praise one of our business partners – The English Inn. Last spring, as we were running a huge waiting list each night for rooms, we approached EI about partnering with us to assist some of the families we could not house. Without a moment of hesitation Manager Mark M. said “Absolutely”. Since that time the EI has truly gone above and beyond in assisting us and our families. There is no business ‘quid pro quo’ here, no hidden agenda. Rather, this is an organization that has chosen to make a difference in the community it serves. They have certainly made a difference for us (and many other non-profits in town). How do you thank an organization such as this? We would like to encourage you to think of the EI when you have friends and relatives coming in to town, or when you need to plan a party or special event. Like our friends at the Hampton Inn & Suites that we told you about last week, supporting the businesses that support our community seems to be a real win-win to us!
Little Miss Ava Claire
Just when you think you’re having a hectic day a cutie like the one here comes through the foyer and it reframes your whole demeanor. This is little Miss Ava Claire. She was born in June, and her Mom and Dad stayed with us for a while then. We are pleased to report that Miss Ava is now doing very well and comes to visit with us occasionally for appointments. It really does make your heart sing to see these little ones – happy and healing – and in the arms of Mom or Dad or Big Sister. It makes you forget about what was so blasted annoying before they came through the door!
A Visit from Little Miss Emma M.
Visiting the House on Nov. 15, 2010
Yesterday Jason, Kristyn, and little Miss Emma M. visited the House to give us a wonderful “Thank You” card. The card had a picture of baby Emma taken just after her surgery in the spring, and also a picture of the bubbly Miss Emma at 6 months of age. What a difference! Emma was born in March with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and needed immediate surgery to correct her condition. They wrote: “Thank you for being our home while our daughter was in the NICU. It was a blessing to be close during this rough time. May God bless all the families who come through.” Jason and Kristyn also brought us a wonderful set of cookware for our families to use in the kitchen. Thank you, M’s, for your thoughtfulness and your good wishes. It was a thrill for us to see Miss Emma and how well she – and you – are doing. Take care.
Josie’s Story
Hello!
My name is Laura. When I was 19 weeks along in my pregnancy I found out that my daughter was going to be born with gastroschiscis – a long word that means she was going to be born with her intestines on the outside of her body. Through the rest of my pregnancy our fight was to keep her in me as long as possible. With these kinds of babies they are more prone to preterm labor. When I was 32 weeks along in my pregnancy I started to dilate. I was on bed rest for 2 weeks, then went to UVA.
After three long days of hard labor and my daughter, Joselyn Ann S., was born on August 25th, 2010, but the hardest part was just beginning. We waited and waited and when our Josie (her nickname) was one week old they took her to surgery. It all went perfectly! She came out of the OR with a very funny looking belly button, but all of her was inside where it was meant to be. In total, Josie spent the first month of her life in the NICU learning to eat and keep her food down.
I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House from the time I was discharged from UVA until the day my baby went home. I cannot say thank you enough to the staff and everyone that puts all of the hard work into keeping that house going! I was a scared 19 year old mom who had never lived in a city, but everyone there made me feel so at home.
Josie is now home and happy with no health problems, and I cannot thank UVA and the Ronald McDonald House enough for all of the support and help.
God bless you all,
Laura & Josie S.
There is a lot of laughter and joking in the House at the moment.
There is a lot of laughter and joking in the House at the moment. This is not always the case, but it certainly is wonderful when the mood flows in this direction. It reminds us to enjoy life – and one another – when and where we can. It also underscores our mission of supporting the health and well-being of children by embracing and supporting the family during a time of need. Many thanks to all of you who help us in our mission.
Sweet Baby James
James Rothgeb was born on July 1, 2008, at 27 weeks gestation. He weighed only 1 lb. 11 oz. As a result, James spent the first three months of his life in the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Because James was unable to leave the hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, Charles and Heidi Rothgeb, James’ parents, needed to stay close to him. They found out about our lodging facility, the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville, which is just blocks from where James was in the hospital.
For three months, Charles and Heidi went back and forth between the Ronald McDonald House and the hospital caring for James, who was fighting off multiple infections and pneumonia. The Rothgebs appreciated the House in all kinds of ways. They loved talking to other families in similar situations because they found that people back home didn’t quite understand what they were going through in Charlottesville. Charles and Heidi cherished the relationships they built here. They leaned on other families during their challenging times with James and they allowed others to lean on them when they needed to. The Rothgebs found it extremely hard to leave this sense of community when it was time for them to return to their home.
Finally on October 10th, 2008, James was ready to gohome! Although he is still on oxygen, he is a bubbly, active baby. He currently weighs 11 lbs. and loves to bounce in his exersaucer and make “conversation”.
Arthur Okraku and Lazarus
Arthur Okraku did not realize what having a new grandson would mean for him. It has brought Arthur much joy and much heartache. On August 20, 2007, Arthur became a grandfather to Lazarus Akuffo. Lazarus is the son of Arthur’s daughter, who died during childbirth. While grieving the loss of his daughter, Arthur was given the daunting task of becoming a parent to his newborn grandson. To further complicate the situation, Arthur is from Ghana but was living in England.
This dedicated grandfather left England to come to UVA Children’s Hospital to be near his grandson who, born prematurely, was placed in the NICU. Arthur arrived at our doorstep shortly after coming to Charlottesville, with a smile on his face! His positive attitude and his love for family, which he attributes to his Ghanan upbringing, helped him to take step after step towards completely caring for little Lazarus. Arthur spent two months at the Ronald McDonald House and by Lazarus’ bedside. Arthur also faced mountains of paperwork involving many embassies and the United States Government in order to move to the U.S. to raise and care for Lazarus. Arthur and Lazarus have settled in Newark, NJ and are doing well. We miss Arthur’s smile and can-do attitude. What a testimony to the importance of family!