A message from the RMHSNJ Staff: 

Tough economic times create a great opportunity to make a difference in your community.  We are in need of “stars” to make the world a brighter place for all our families here at the House.  Even just $15 covers the cost of a family for one night! 

Below is a letter we received from a family who spent the holidays with us during the illness of their daughter....here is their story:

To our Ronald McDonald House Friends,

 We are writing this letter to thank you for being such a special part of our lives.   The holidays are upon us and your House will forever hold a special place in our hearts during this time of year. 

Two years ago, while others were decorating their houses and spending time with families, our precious baby girl, Savannah, was fighting for her life after being born with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia.  For months we waited in fear since her only chance at life was to receive a liver transplant.  During November, we chose to move our family into your Ronald House so that our daughter would have the best chance if a liver became available. No words can describe the heartache we felt at a time we should have been filled with joy.  Being away from our home was so very hard on us but you made it special. Thank you for sharing in the happiness of Savannah’s first birthday and the elation of finally receiving a liver, her “gift of life”.

 

All of your helpers at the Ronald McDonald House made sure that our days were as festive as possible.  The beautiful decorations we enjoyed every evening and scrumptious meals that simply spoiled our tummies helped ease our homesickness.  You even had wonderful helpers set up a holiday shop so that all the families could pick out gifts for their little ones, despite our inability to brave the crowded malls with our sick children.

 

We are happy to report that Savannah is a healthy 3 year old!  We visit the Ronald McDonald House in Camden often during our follow up appointments and every time we walk through the doors, we are reminded of all the magic we witnessed during the holidays.

 

Thank you for opening up your home in Camden and allowing your helpers to bring so much magic into our lives…magic that we needed so desperately.  Your home was truly the answer to our Christmas wish.

 

We love you and all your helpers!

 

Robert, Ana & Savannah Anselmo

(RMHSNJ guests from November 2007-Present for continuing care)