Have I mentioned yet how grateful I am to live so close to one of the best children's hospitals in the world? They took such great care of us, were so good with Hazel, and had so many extras to make our stay more comfortable. We had free food, drinks, hot chocolate, movies, books, whatever we needed, at our disposal. In the Cardiac Care Unit, they had two Ronald McDonald Family rooms, an awesome teen room, and a great play room (none of which Hazel could visit since she was in isolation) but I was in really impressed with the way they take care of the families. We were only in the hospital for five days- most of the patients in our unit were long time residents. I was overcome at many times with stress and sheer exhaustion, and I cannot imagine how taxing long-term hospital stays and life altering illnesses are on the entire family. I heard some of the conversations of parents in the Family Rooms, and I was overcome with the desire to help them, to somehow alleviate some of the stress they were feeling.
I loved being able to go into the rooms and get snacks at any time of day or night. I loved that I could pick up a book or magazine, watch TV, or just relax in the comfy chairs. During our stay three different restaurants provided meals for the families.
The Ronald McDonald House needs such simple things to keep these rooms, and others like it, going. Simple things like microwave popcorn or granola bars- things that seem small but make such a difference.
Isaac and I decided that the RMH is our charity of choice for 2010. We always talk about doing more service, but we seem to get stumped when thinking of ways to serve . I am excited to pick up extra items at the grocery store, make some blankets, and go through my books and toys to see what else I can donate.
We will be having Hazel's birthday party next week, and we are asking all of the guests to please bring an item or two from the following list. If any other family or friends would like to donate anything, please let me know and I can come pick it up from you or tell you where to drop it off.
Individually Wrapped Snacks
Chips/Pretzels
Cookies/Crackers
Granola Bars
Candy
Applesauce
Pudding
Fruit Cups
Bottled Water
Individual Cereal
Pop-Tarts
Microwaveable Meals
Mac and Cheese
Cup of Noodles
Soup
Spaghetti Os
Pasta
Kitchen Supplies
Napkins
Paper cups, towels, napkins, bowls, plates
Plastic forks, knives, spoons
Sanitizing kitchen wipes
Dish Soap (for washing by hand, not dishwasher)
Misc.
Travel-sized toiletries
Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Tide-to-go pens
Ziploc bags (large and small)
Aluminum foil
Saran wrap
Books for teens and adults (especially new ones)
Magazines
Prepaid phone cards
Gift cards- Wal-mart, Target, Wawa, Starbucks
Gym passes for the UPenn gym
Coloring books, crayons
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3 comments:
Sara, I'm putting $20 in your account for you to spend on things to donate in Hazel's name--Happy Birthday sweet Hazel!
I am in Oregon and would love to help. Where can we send donations for you to take??
Email me at hkh6441@hotmail.com
Both times Norah was hospitalized , one of the hardest parts for me was overhearing conversations from the other patients families. You only have to be in the hospital a few minutes to realize what you've got is nothing compared to what the other guy has. I was so grateful to have these experiences and realized we can not compare our infirmities only love and support others as they are going through them. This is what I observed as we got to know these same patient families.
I too was astounded at what Ronald McDonald house provides. Because we lived a distance from the hospital, we were able to stay at one of their houses when Norah had her surgery. I was so grateful to have a place to sleep and shower when we needed a break. Kenney still talks about the toy room at the "McDonalds" house. He got to play there a couple of times when he came to visit.
Sorry to make such a lengthy post, but I just wanted to add my experience and say thanks!
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