When a child is sick, what matters most? It’s a question that resonates deeply with all of us who have experienced the immense challenges that come with having a medically fragile child. Today, I want to share a story with you, a story that vividly illustrates what truly matters during the season of giving, especially in the face of adversity.
My family and I once lived on Long Island, facing the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany caring for a medically fragile child, our daughter, Bella. Her medical history is extensive, but it was an unexpected cardiac arrest at just six months old that brought us to the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. That thirty-minute ordeal left Bella with permanent brain damage, epilepsy, and a series of other medical diagnoses.
What I want to emphasize is the incredible impact that the Ronald McDonald House had on our lives during those difficult times. When Bella was in the hospital, our daily worries were far from typical. As parents, we found ourselves grappling with the basics, like where we would sleep, how we would find a meal, or even a place to do laundry. These may seem like minor concerns, but they can become overwhelming when your child’s hospital stay extends from days to months and, in some cases, years.
The Ronald McDonald House became our sanctuary. It was more than just a place to stay; it was a home away from home, a family in an unfamiliar place. The love, warmth, and accommodations provided were nothing short of sincere and plentiful. It’s impossible to adequately express what this organization did for my family. It transformed what could have been a lonely, dark, and depressing experience into a journey of hope and strength.
One of the most significant aspects that left an indelible impression on us was how the Ronald McDonald House made holidays joyful. During the holiday season, Bella received everything and more, thanks to the dedicated RMH team. The simple gestures and the grander ones came together to create a sense of belonging and a source of strength during challenging times.
I shudder to think about what our experience would have been like without the support of the Ronald McDonald House. It would have been a journey marked by loneliness and despair. Instead, we found ourselves surrounded by compassionate individuals who offered not only a roof over our heads but also meals and snacks throughout the day, providing the encouragement we needed to face another day.
The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is not just an organization; it is a beacon of hope. The love and support from the staff were overwhelming, leaving a positive impact on not only our lives but on countless other families who found solace in their embrace. They have mastered the art of lightening the heavy load that families must bear in the face of life’s most challenging moments.
I am eternally grateful to have encountered such wonderful people, and I sincerely hope that the Ronald McDonald House continues to touch families in the same way they touched ours. Thank you, Ronald McDonald House. THANK YOU!
As we approach the season of giving, I kindly ask you to join us in supporting the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. Your generosity ensures that families like mine continue to find a place of comfort, compassion, and strength during the most trying times of their lives.
Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can be the light that guides families through their darkest hours.
Other Ways to Make a Gift
Amazon Wishlist
One of the most helpful ways to give this holiday season is to purchase household supplies off of our amazon Wishlist. Our house is like any other, we require replacements and upgrades from time to time to better serve our families.
Flexible Assets You Can Give Other Than Cash
Stocks or Appreciated Securities:
Give by transferring stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Gifts of marketable securities held for more than one year are credited for the full fair market value and are eligible for a charitable deduction to potentially offset current year income without realization of taxable capital gains.
Qualified Charitable Distribution from Retirement Account:
If you are 70 ½ years or older, you can make a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA of up to $100,000 per person ($200,000 per couple) to Ronald McDonald House; that amount is excluded from your gross taxable income.
Donor Advised Funds:
Donor Advised Funds can be used to make fully tax deductible gifts and to direct grants to nonprofits, like the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley. Our organization is a qualified public charity (EIN: 35-2181050). Contact Christina at Criley@rmhghv.org with questions and for delivery instructions
Create a legacy that will support sick children and families for years to come.
Caring Hearts Legacy Society
Leave a legacy of love by making a gift to the Caring Hearts Legacy Society Endowment fund. You will help the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley carry on its history of making a difference for sick children and families.
Sample Language for your attorney or account administrator for your revocable will or beneficiary designations.
“I, [name], of [city, state, zip], give, devise, and bequeath to Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley, federal tax ID #35-2181050, [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
A gift to the Caring Hearts Legacy Society will provide much-needed, unrestricted support. If you would like to personalize or restrict your gift, please contact us and we will help you or your advisor with the language.
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley
80 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
914-493-6455