Caring for the whole family

February 28th, 2022 | Our Families

Little Luke and Charlie entered the world four-and-a-half weeks early fighting. They would need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until they could maintain their body temperature and eat on their own.

As you can imagine, their mom, Becca, wanted to be by their side every step of the way. While her home was in Madison those few miles felt too far from her hospitalized newborn sons. Thankfully, Becca was able to stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room just steps away from the NICU at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison where they were receiving care. She could be by their side at a moment’s notice if necessary.

“As first-time parents, we felt vulnerable and afraid. Having the incredible support of the Family Room was huge. It was a quiet, clean, and comfortable space away from beeping machines where we could get a healthy lunch and rest. Of all the things you absorb from your environment, there was nothing negative there. It was calming,” said Becca.

Becca and John found the Ronald McDonald Family Room was much more than just a place to sleep and eat, it was a place to be supported together. RMHC programs are specifically designed to help reduce feelings of isolation and stress for families with a sick child. They were able to experience better quality sleep than they would if they’d stayed bedside at the hospital.

Caring for the whole family is at the heart of the work of RMHC. RMHC ensures that both the emotional and physical needs of families with an ill or injured child are met.