NICU nurses honored with a room dedication at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison

May 25th, 2021

Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) commit to providing exceptional care to the tiniest and most vulnerable patients and their families. After witnessing their impact firsthand, long-time RMHC-Madison volunteer and current staff member George Falor decided to honor them by dedicating a room in the newly expanded Ronald McDonald House with his generous gift.

George has become a friendly, familiar face to families at the Ronald McDonald House as well as in his volunteer role at UnityPoint Health – Meriter and SSM Health – St. Mary’s Hospital. On a whim, he signed up to be a volunteer “cuddler” who holds and comforts critically ill infants. George celebrated ten years as a “cuddler” at UnityPoint Health – Meriter last year and helped start a cuddler program at SSM Health – St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison nearly five years ago.

“I volunteer as a cuddler because it helps the nurses, babies, and parents. Whatever comfort I can bring is an honor for me,” said George. When asked why he chose to honor the NICU nurses with a room dedication George replied, “I am so impressed with the compassion, dedication, and excellent care provided by NICU nurses. I am amazed at what they do. Nurses are the lifeline of the hospital. I want them to know they are seen and appreciated.”

George has been volunteering with many community organizations in Madison for more than 25 years. He became a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in 1995 and since has served as a night and weekend supervisor at the House, a substitute volunteer at the Ronald McDonald Family Room, and most recently accepted the maintenance position at the Ronald McDonald House. We are incredibly fortunate to have George as a part of the RMHC family; always helping in any way he can to improve guest families’ experience.

Watch the full dedication ceremony here.