One day, Kate woke up and could not walk. Unable to determine the reason for her immobility, doctors recommended she travel from her home in Prescott Valley, Arizona to the neurological rehab unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

She spent 8 days in February in the hospital- 8 days her mother spent at the Ronald McDonald House.

“I had stayed at the House for just one night the year before when my son was having surgery. At first, I didn’t think I would qualify but my mom, who’s made meals at her local RMH in Florida, encouraged it. I was so relieved when I got into the House,” said Kate’s mom, Carolyn. She was most surprised at how much of a help to her the House was financially, in decreasing her stress levels, and allowing her to be close to her daughter while still feeling the comforts of her own home. “The accommodations were surprising. We were in an apartment so the family could come and visit and the kitchenette made me feel at home,” she continued.

Carolyn most appreciated the meals provided by volunteer groups and the community pantry available to all families at the House. Her other children, of course, were big fans of the on-site playground and the extensive video library.

The most appreciated aspect of the House, however, was the close proximity to her daughter in the hospital. “The House helped indirectly in Kate’s recovery in that I was able to stay close to her. She knew that I was close by and would be back in the morning,” Carolyn said. She also appreciated the support of the other families staying at the House. “It helped me to realize that our situation could be worse. It was nice to be able to give comfort and know you are not alone. The people at RMH understand what you are going through much more than people at home who have never had a sick kid.”

Thanks to a few months of physical therapy, Kate is walking and playing, just as an 11 year-old should. She recently auditioned for and won a part in a play at a local community theatre. Both mother and daughter are thankful for the help Ronald McDonald House provided them in their time of need. “The Ronald McDonald House was such a blessing; it reduced our stress. Now we’re always collecting soda tops so we can give back,” Carolyn said.

By Lindsay Walker, RMHC intern