October 12th, 2023
Over the years, our Ronald McDonald House® has been a home away from home for Matthew, Kristin, Caiden, Kaylee and Katherine Schultz for 502 nights.
As new parents, my wife Kristin and I knew very little of the world surrounding the hospital or the Ronald McDonald House. Sure, we had seen the coin boxes at McDonald’s® and heard about ways to donate, but we never really knew where the donations went or how they helped others. After the birth complications with our second child, Kaylee, our eyes were opened to what the Ronald McDonald House is, what it stands for and how lives are touched through the generosity of others. But we had no idea how important the Ronald McDonald House would be for us in the years to come.
Five years and one month later, we connected once again with our friends at the Ronald McDonald House. The newest addition to our family, Katherine, was born at 26 and a half weeks and with numerous medical complications that have required many long stays, countless procedures and extensive therapies. During our stays at the House, we have been fortunate to befriend many other families, volunteers and staff. We have also seen the House itself evolve and transform in many ways.
Looking back over the last twelve years, it’s surreal to recall all of the changes that have taken place. Almost as if in a constant state of flux, the House is continuously improved to meet the ever-changing needs of its guests. New rooms are added; older rooms are updated. Communal spaces are kept up-to-date and feature modern amenities. Every family’s situation and needs are different, but the Ronald McDonald House goes above and beyond to meet them, making it possible to breathe a little easier and making a world of difference.
RMHC® has provided us with so much more than a place to rest our heads. Programs like Pet Therapy and Kids Can Cook have given us the chance to make lasting memories as a family. We’ve built lifelong friendships – and have gotten into some crazy shenanigans – with people we would never have even met.
It’s a well-known fact that medical concerns have no prejudice. They don’t wait for the right time or the right situation and they certainly don’t care who they befall. But families like ours can rest assured that the Ronald McDonald House will remain ready to accommodate the needs of its guests, no matter who they are or where they are from. And it is all made possible by the generous community that supports the House. On behalf of all the lives touched by the Ronald McDonald House, we, the Schultz family, say thank you.
by Matthew Schultz