How you can help the families of children in hospitals this holiday season

If you can’t be home for the holidays, together is a great place to be.

As the holidays approach and families gather in their homes to enjoy the festivities, some families are having a holiday season that is anything but traditional. Isabella was born with hypoplastic heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition where one of the ventricles of her heart didn't fully develop. Her journey led her to Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, where her mom, dad, and brother stood by her side to support her. Now, almost a year later, her first heart transplant is failing and the family is facing a hospital stay during the holidays.

Carrie Romano, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area (RMHC), says children like Isabella and her family rely on Ronald McDonald House to keep them close during the most trying times.

“When a child undergoes extensive medical treatment due to a life-threatening illness or injury, the stress on the family can be unimaginable, and this stress compounds during the holidays,” Romano said. “We are here to provide a home for the holidays for pediatric patient families, providing a safe, warm, and free place to stay close throughout their child’s treatment. We want to fill our programs with joyful distraction, light, and love to make it bearable and even magical for families.”

During Isabella's extensive hospital stay, RMHC’s Family Room at Primary Children’s Hospital offers a haven for her family. Located just steps away from Isabella's bedside, the Family Room is more than just a place to sleep — it is a sanctuary that gives them strength and hope. Most of all, it gives them the gift of their family, so they can be together and support one another when they need it the most.

Michelle Christensen, RMHC’s Hospital Programs Director said, “Families like Isabella's should not have to worry about paying for groceries and rent when they are focusing all of their time, energy, and attention on caring for their child.”

“The financial strain is often enormous, let alone the emotional toll on families who would otherwise live apart for days, weeks, or months on end,” Christensen said. “Our Family Rooms provide comfortable spaces where they can stay close so they can better support their little warriors.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities depends on donations to ensure families like Isabella's can stay together, especially during the holiday season. Donations provide invaluable resources and comfort to parents who are supporting their little ones through the toughest battle of their lives. More importantly, they help families stay together, providing the emotional support needed to navigate the challenging journey ahead.

As Isabella battles her medical challenges, RMHC is standing with her family, offering resources, shelter, and support. Stories like Isabella’s illustrate perfectly why the mission of RMHC is so vital. The organization provides not only physical shelter but also the opportunity for families to stay close during their most trying times.

How You Can Help Families in Need

According to Kacie Pecor, RMHC’s Chief Development and Engagement Officer, there are three specific ways Utahns can make a difference for families in need: financial donations, gift donations, and volunteer service.

“Direct financial donations are always needed,” Pecor said. “Many of these families are being stretched to their limits. A simple donation can help create some cherished memories during and incredibly stressful time.”

Donors have enabled RMHC to expand from a simple 13-room house in 1988 to a 75-room building and multiple Family Room locations in area hospitals, including a new Family Room to open in Lehi this February — the first RMHC property in Utah County.

RMHC hosts a “Winter Wonderland” for its client families, providing them with holiday gifts donated by members of the community. Pecor said families themselves get to “shop” through donations to select the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

Not everyone is in a position to make financial or gift donations. Pecor said time can be one of the greatest donations. Volunteers help organize the Winter Wonderland shop and help wrap gifts.
RMHC’s “Adopt-A-Meal” program is another opportunity, where community members can serve a delicious feast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House over the holiday season.

“Our incredible volunteers provide, prepare, and serve the best holiday meals,” Pecor said. “They give families the opportunity to briefly forget their worries and just enjoy the holiday spirit together. We can’t wait to invite Utah County to serve in our new location next year as well.”

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to selflessly give and serve others. Contributions bring peace and joy to RMHC families and bring happiness into your home as well.

Visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities website to donate and learn more at https://www.rmhcslc.org/.