Ronald McDonald House Stories

This week Ira and Jason sit down with the Licona family and talk about their struggles navigating the healthcare system all the way from Mexico! Translations provided by Ira.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

This week Toni sat down with the Molstad Family all the way from Sweden as they talk about their daughter Edith and her struggles with Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES)  a catastrophic epileptic syndrome that strikes previously healthy children as young as 3.  As well as the struggles that brought them from Sweden here to Salt Lake City.We explore the intricacies of the healthcare system, travel, as well as a few of the things that have helped this amazing family through their daily challenges. To learn more about Edith and her family check out the family's blog: https://firesfighteredith.com/Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

This week Tiffany sits down with Dakishia, a mother from Cedar City, UT as they talk about the struggles that brought them to the Ronald McDonald House and how their daughter has given them a whole new outlook on life! Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Today we sit down with Phil Cox one of our long time volunteers here at the House! Phil can often be seen doing everything from shuttle runs for families, to refilling vending machines, or helping Ana in the kitchen.  We talk about Phil's experiences that led him to the Ronald McDonald House and some of his memorable moments volunteering!Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Today we sat down with Travis Woods the Family Support Coordinator at Primary Children's Hospital.  As his title implies Travis provides support for the families at Primary Children's Hospital and a lot of his work interrelates with what we do here at RMHC.  We talk about Travis' influences, challenges, and get to know him more and his work as it relates to RMHC!  Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Hannah is our houses Palliative Care & Behavioral Health Specialist and has had the unique challenge of building her position up to best support the families we serve. In this episode Hannah and Toni talk about Hannah's background as well as strategies for support as well as some of the challenges surrounding mental health.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Pat O'Neil has been a member of the RMHC Board of Directors, has been the Board President, has been a part of our Community Advisory Board, and now serves on the Board Emeritus. During his time with RMHC, Pat has helped to find our amazing current CEO, Carrie Romano, and has established himself as the "Father of the Family Rooms" as he led the design and opening of the largest Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Primary Children's Hospital. During this episode, Pat talks about his experience in being a part of the House and Family Room expansion projects and what his proudest accomplishments are. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

This wonderful mom from California stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while her daughter received mental health assistance. During this episode, she talks about what it's like to be away from her family in California while she stays with her daughter and the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health conditions in the Asian community. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Edgar has been coming to the Ronald McDonald House since 2011 for cerebral palsy and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a chronic blood disorder) treatments. Originally from Mexico City, Edgar, his mom, and his younger siblings have made the Ronald McDonald House their true home-away-from-home by attending local schools and playing on local sports teams. In fact, Edgar and his family are such fixtures at the House that he is lovingly referred to as the “mayor of the house" as he knows everyone and often is in the halls greeting people and making sure everything is running smoothly. In this episode, Edgar talks about the difference between his life in Mexico and his life in Salt Lake City, how he chooses to live a full life, and what he envisions for his future. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Clark Stringham is one of the original founders of the Ronald McDonald House Intermountain Area. He played a huge role in going from bank-to-bank to secure funding to break ground on the House, he found companies to build out the first 23 bathrooms, and, with the help of his 10-year-old son, laid shingles on the roof. As an owner/operator of McDonald's restaurants, Clark continues his support of RMHC today through fundraising. In this episode, Clark talks about how the original RMHC Intermountain Area founders broke ground on the House, what his funniest memories of that time are, and what he loves about the mission.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Nine-year-old Sarah shares her story about her 20 visits to the hospital and what makes all of those visits easier for her (hint: our Chief PAWSitivity Officer, Ollie, plays an important role and has a new life-long friend). Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Cindy Bailey has been a part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities for over 25 years! She was the Chair of the Board of Directors during our House expansion capital campaign and helped to open the first Ronald McDonald Family Room at Primary Children’s Hospital (the largest in the world!). Cindy and her husband Greg, who is also a part of the RMHC Board of Directors as acting Finance Chair, own and operate three McDonald’s restaurants in Rock Springs and Green River, Wyoming. In this episode, Cindy talks about why the RMHC mission is important to her and what her hopes for RMHC’s future are.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

David Kamerath and his family hold a special place in the history of the Ronald McDonald House. They have lived in their house on N Street since before the Ronald McDonald House was built and have been witness to the growth of the charity and the expansion of the mission. During this episode, we talk to our kind and patient neighbor as he recounts how he came to live in his N Street home, what he loves about being so close to the RMH, and what the mission means to his family. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Every Thursday night, Jonathan hosts "Cookies & Stories with Jonathan". This weekly bedtime tradition is a favorite amongst the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House and Jonathan's love of the children and RMHC mission is undeniable. In this episode, Jonathan talks about why he started volunteering at RMHC, what his favorite memory is, and what he's excited about as he expands his volunteer role. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Elena Lowenthal arrived from Cochabamba, Bolivia with her son, Gonzalo, for Gonzalo’s care at Shriner’s Hospital. During their first week in Utah, Elena and Gonzalo stayed in a house in Sandy and yearned to go home to Bolivia. Once they moved to the Ronald McDonald House, Elena found a community in the families and staff, allowing her to feel like she was “home”. A classical chef in Bolivia, Elena could often be found in the RMH kitchen cooking amazing Bolivian dishes for the guests and staff. During this episode, Elena talks about her love of learning to cook new dishes and her journey in searching for and receiving medical care for Gonzalo. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Dshyra and her two adorable children, Haili and Aayden, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for 230 days while Aayden received a heart transplant. During their stay, Dshyra found that exercising, eating right, and meditating helped in providing the best care for her kiddos. She even used her downtime to start a business that supports others to care for themselves in the same way. During this episode, Dshyra talks about her experience being away from her family during Aayden's transplant and what inspired her to create her business, P.H.I.T.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Lynnie Zimmerli has been a part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities for 12 years! She has been a volunteer, a board member, board president, and generous donor. In this episode, Lynnie talks about her favorite memories and her hope for the future of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Eight-year-old Haili has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House while her little brother received a heart transplant. While she at the House, Haili's mom started a business...with a little help from Haili. During this episode, Haile talks about her favorite pieces of the business and what she does to help her mom be successful. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Scott is the grandfather of a patient receiving care at Primary Children's Hospital. In this episode, Scott expresses what his life has been like after his world was turned upside-down when his grandchild got sick.Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)

Gonzalo is from Bolivia. He and his mom stayed at the Ronald McDonald House Intermountain Area while he received treatment at Shriners Hospital. In this episode, Gonzalo talks about his experiences being so far away from home, what his favorite American food is, and what he misses about RMHC when he returns to Bolivia. The episode includes questions and answers in English and Spanish. Support the show (https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/abf36fa8-4e83-4397-b7f5-062090a878ec)