volunteer sue hughes

Volunteer Spotlight: Sue Hughes

March 26th, 2018

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison volunteers are essential to delivering our mission of creating and supporting programs that enhance the health and well-being of children and their families. Without volunteers, we would not be able to do what we do. This month we are celebrating someone who has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald Family Room since it opened in 2012.

Sue Hughes volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room every Friday morning.  Sue is known as the M&M lady – she supplied the much-loved M&M dispenser for the living room – and brings all the M&M’s.  She provides holiday decorations and beautiful colored paper that we use to decorate the Family Room for all the different seasons and holidays.  She also volunteers in the hospital several days a week, and volunteers at her church on Sundays in the café.

How long have you been volunteering at RMHC-Madison?
Since the Ronald McDonald Family Room opened in September 2012.

How did you initially get involved with us?
My brother in-law stayed at the Ronald McDonald House when his son was in the burn unit at UW Hospital. I also loved working as an obstetrics (OB) nurse and helping new moms.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering here?
My favorite thing is being available when one of the parents wants someone to talk to.

Do you have a favorite memory with RMHC?
The look one a mom’s face when she can go home with her baby after several months.

What types of things have you done while volunteering for RMHC-Madison?
I’ve cleaned rooms. I regularly bring in M&M’s for the dispenser in the Family Room. I’ve brought in supplies, when needed, and talked with families.

Tell us something about we don’t know. 
I’m looking for a small dog as a companion since I lost my last dog just over a year ago.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a volunteer?
I like meeting and helping new people. I like listening to people.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a program jointly offered by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison and SSM Health  St. Mary’s Hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room offers families a place to rest and regroup right at the hospital, just moments away from their sick child.

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald Family Room at https://goo.gl/GHoaZq.