30 Jan Heartfelt Times – January 2023
Welcome to 2023, our 40th Anniversary Year, and the first issue of the Heartfelt Times.
The definition of family is a group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit. Since 1983, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has provided more than 21,000 families with a place to stay while their child(ren) receives medical treatment in Buffalo. Whether they stay at the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House or get support in our Ronald McDonald Family Room, we are here to support them during their medical journey.
Here is a snapshot of some of the families starting the new year with us:
Jen Phillips and Herbert Bynum are from Kingsport, TN. They were working in Western New York building solar panels. Their baby Gabriel was born unexpectedly at 27 weeks on December 13, 2022, at Sisters of Charity Hospital. They expect to stay at the Ronald McDonald House through mid-March. Mom is excited to get back to Tennessee and introduce her 13-year-old son to Gabriel.
Ariadna is a young teenager who had a bone marrow transplant and is staying at the Buffalo House for a couple of months. Her team, including her Mom, Dad, Stepmom, and Grandma all pitch in to provide care and attention to Ariadna through her journey. She enjoys that her siblings, Isadora and Cain, can visit her at the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House. She also spends time doing school work and crafts like needlework, and watching horror movies!
Nateria Wilson visits the Ronald McDonald Family Room when her 16-year-old daughter is on the 7th floor of OCH. Her daughter requires infusion treatments every few weeks. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a great place to get a break and say hello to the volunteer and get a snack for her daughter and herself.
Tien Ho and Nikita White welcomed their baby, Lilliana, at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) on 1/12/23. Although she was delivered 4 days after her due
date, she needed extra monitoring. The Buffalo Ronald McDonald House became home to Mom, Dad, and big sister Gianna (19 months old). Mom and dad took turns
at the hospital and the House on days they didn’t have childcare help. We wish them well as they were able to go home to Olean after two weeks.
Timeline of RMHCWNY
O n December 8, 1983, RMHC of WNY opened the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House doors. McDonald’s was our founding partner and is still a major supporter
today!
The Buffalo Ronald McDonald House was built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on their child’s health – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. Since our doors opened, we’ve expanded our mission beyond the House on West Ferry to our local hospitals.
Since opening, we have welcomed more than 21,000 families from WNY, surrounding states, and outside the USA to stay at our Buffalo Ronald McDonald House. Even more families have benefitted from the programs and services of the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Happy Wheels Cart.
New Ways to Give
Striped Sock Society
By signing up to become a monthly donor to RMHC of WNY, you will become an exclusive member of the Striped Sock Society.
Wear your socks with honor to show your dedication to providing comfort and care to the families we serve.
We welcome one of our newest members to t h e Striped Sock Society, Nick Alberalla, RMHC of WNY’s Board President.
Thank you, Nick!
Legacy of Hearts Society
With a little bit of planning, you can leave a legacy for families in need.
With a legacy gift to RMHC of WNY, you will ensure we’ll always be here to help current and future generations of children when they need our help the most.!
Volunteer
Meet one of our House Volunteers, Dave Finn!
Dave has been a volunteer for 8 years!
His favorite part about volunteering for RMHC of WNY is working with the staff and other volunteers. He knows that RMHC of WNY provides important services to families in need.
What he does do as a volunteer?
Dave drives the RMHC of WNY shuttle van to take families to and from the hospital that stays at our Buffalo Ronald McDonald House.
Background/Fun Fact?
His grandson stayed at the Rochester Ronald McDonald House. The cause is near and dear to his heart.
Thank you, Dave!
Become a House Volunteer
To become a House Volunteer you must be at least a High School Freshman (14 years of age or older.)
As a house volunteer, you might:
● Drive the van
● Answer phone calls
● Tidy the playroom and clean the toys
● Ready the kitchen for the next meal or snack
● Keep the House clean
● Deep clean
● Seasonal outdoor yard work
