The Holston Family

My family utilized the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire over several months while my daughter was hospitalized. The Ronald McDonald House and their volunteers provided a source of comfort and relief. It was truly “a home away from home”. Those who maintained the facilities were extremely courteous and kind to us. After going home, we still reflect on the memories we were able to make as a family. Today, those golden arches take on a different meaning for our family. Our memories are pleasant. They are memories of smiles and kindness. Part of my daughter’s treatment was here in the Savannah area. However, we live roughly 70 miles away from the hospital. My mother and I alternated caring for my daughter at the hospital and my other children because we did not want her to be alone. This introduced another challenge because my mother resides in another state.

For those of you who may not be familiar with staying in a hospital room with a loved one, it is very difficult to get a good night’s rest. IVs and various monitors alarm day and night; while physicians, nurses, and therapists come in and out to take care of the patient. Although the staff tried their best to be considerate, and we felt grateful that those alarming sounds were indicators that our child was still alive, we constantly woke up during the night. The Ronald McDonald House provided a close safe haven. We could go to our room, take a hot shower, rest, take a phone call, pray without interruption, and return.

After my daughter was deemed ready for rehabilitation, she was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta for additional care. Being more than four hours away from home would have made it impossible to care for all of my children because my recovering daughter needed support. This meant that I would have to choose between attending therapy with my daughter or staying home to care for my other children and continue working. However, the Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta alleviated the need to make that decision. We were afforded a clean and comfortable place for us to stay and meals for us to eat. Having her sisters there as she underwent rehabilitation turned out to be extremely beneficial for her. They boosted her morale and challenged her.

I am so grateful because the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire made it possible to nurture my children during the most challenging time of our lives. The provision they provided us was a direct result of God’s love, care, and presence. Thank Jesus for you, Ronald McDonald House!