11 Dec The Williams Family

Posted at 14:21h in Our Families by

16 nights spent at RMHC

Imagine getting that phone call all parents dread. “Your child was in an accident and is being medivaced to the hospital. “ Two days earlier, Ella celebrated her 12th birthday. Now, after an accident on an ATV, Ella’s life is in danger. Life for the Williams family was unraveling.

Ella needed surgery for a traumatic ventricular septal defect. Their little girl was going to have open heart surgery at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Thomas, Lana and Little Thomas left their home in Orangeburg and rushed to Charleston.The Ronald McDonald House became their new home for 16 days.

“After a hard day at the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House is a safe haven.” – Lana

Hopes, fears, laughter and tears are shared in a warm, welcoming environment at the Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers provide three meals a day. A fully equipped kitchen, play rooms, computer access, Wi-Fi, and laundry help families to manage their normal daily activities.

“The Ronald McDonald House kept me close to my sister.” – Little Thomas

Research has shown that children heal better when their family is near.Everyone knows how important it is for a family to be together during a crisis – mom needs to be there to give hugs, a brother needs to visit his sister, and a father needs to give strength to his child.

“As I have told all my friends, the Ronald McDonald House is a great place and I hope you never need them. But if you do, they will be there.” – Ella

Ella is now a junior in high school and the captain of her varsity cheerleading squad. Little Thomas plays football and basketball in middle school, and life is back to normal for the Williams family. They are grateful for the support that the Ronald McDonald House provided when they needed it the most.

The Ronald McDonald House relies on support from the community to fund daily operations.

Last year, 757 families found a home at the Ronald McDonald House, but many were turned away for lack of space. In 2015, we will be adding five more bedrooms. Your support is more critical than ever.

There are many choices for your charity dollars. Please consider making a donation to help keep families together while their child heals. Each gift, at any amount, makes a difference to families like the Williams.