House Provides Lodging for Families of Hospitalized Children
The first phase of Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield’s renovations are underway, with phase two beginning in the next couple of weeks.
“Ronald McDonald House of Marshfield is currently undergoing a complete interior refinishing,” said Iilee Pederson, Executive Director. “To date, updates to wallcovering and flooring have been completed in all ten of our bedrooms and work has begun in our common areas, hallways and downstairs family room and playroom.”
The house was originally built in 1915 and opened as a Ronald McDonald House in 1983. For more than thirty-four years, the house has served thousands of families while their child is hospitalized at Marshfield Children’s Hospital or treated at Marshfield Clinic.
“With these refreshing updates, Ronald McDonald House will continue to be a tranquil retreat for the families to rest their heads and unwind in a warm and comfortable environment,” said Pederson. “The design inspiration comes from the 1915 building itself, restoring elements of historic charm with a blend of lively colors and relaxing textures. Downstairs will feature a redesigned playroom, including four custom playhouses, a gaming nook, arcade and entertainment center.”
Children whose families stay at Ronald McDonald Houses tend to be the sickest, have traveled the furthest distances for care and spend the longest time in the hospital. The House allows families to access the best medical care for their child and being nearby helps children heal and cope better together.
Ronald McDonald House offers multiple benefits and a strong impact for families.
- Parents whose children have longer hospital stays benefit from higher quality of sleep at
- Ronald McDonald House compared to parents who slept at their child’s hospital bedside.
- Helps guest strengthen coping abilities and avoid post-traumatic stress by keeping families together.
- Ronald McDonald House provides spaces to play. Playing with other children experiencing similar situations can help those children cope with the trauma of treatment or frequent hospitalizations.
- Parents report a better perceived quality of life than expected for children with chronic diseases.
- Provides an alternative for patients who medically need to remain close to the hospital for extended periods of time but do not require active daily medical care.
“The House has always been well-maintained and is kept clean by our dedicated volunteers and staff,” said Pederson. “In mid-2017, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield Board of Directors approved the substantial project, allowing for necessary cosmetic updates throughout the house to modernize the environment for our guests.”
Project completion is scheduled for mid-February, with office hours maintained during construction and accomodations made for families at other lodgings in the meantime.
“Although the House is not available to accommodate families during construction, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield has made the commitment to fund all family stays through local hotels and remain free to families,” said Pederson. “A shuttle is also being provided for those guests that do not have access to transportation. As long as a family meets the qualifications to be a guest a Ronald McDonald House, they will have accommodations without financial burden.”
While keeping the heart and soul of the Ronald McDonald House’s mission front and center, our focus remains on being a place of respite, comfort, compassion, and support for our families. Upon completion, the House will continue to be a “home-away-from-home” for our families while their child is being treated or hospitalized.
Community support through monetary and in-kind donations are critical to Ronald McDonald House Charities and their mission of keeping families close. Donors play a substantial role in supporting children’s health, keeping families together and eliminating parents’ stress about the expense and burden of securing lodging and meals during their child’s hospitalization. As part of the renovation process, Ronald McDonald House Charities will be seeking one-time donations from local businesses to update the bedroom furnishings.
“Donors have a direct impact on the families who call their room ‘home,’” said Pederson. “Monetary support helps to cover the cost of their stay, which enables us to continue to operate free to families.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield will be hosting multiple open houses to showcase their programs and services, as well as our renovated house, at the end of 2018. (Follow them on Facebook for more details to be announced.)
“Ronald McDonald House keeps families close because we believe healing happens together,” she added. “Our generous community supporters and donors help to provide 24/7 hugs and kisses for our smallest patients and their families during times when they need it most.”
To donate or for more information about our services, visit rmhc-marshfield.org. A new “adopt-a-room” partnership program is being debuted to allow for an individual, company or organization to be an annual exclusive room sponsor. To request additional information about the adopt-a-room program and benefits of partnership, email [email protected].
