100 Percent Better
By Erin Maley
That day started out like any typical Saturday. We were sitting at a red light and when it turned green, I turned back to see if Summer had fallen asleep. Then I really don't remember anything for three days.
I woke up. I knew there had been an accident—a violent one. I learned that my husband, Ryan, was gone. And that our daughter, Summer, was very hurt. She was at the children's hospital, suffering and paralyzed from a broken neck.
It didn't seem like anything that anyone said to me was going to make things better. But in my time of utmost need, the Ronald McDonald House, steps from Summer's bedside, opened the door for me and my mom. They said, "Hey, we have a bed and food." Simple words. A simple offer. But exactly what I needed.
Summer and I couldn't have made it through our recovery period without the Ronald McDonald House, and I know that there are millions more children and moms just like me who depend on the cradle of support they receive from Ronald McDonald House Charities programs.
Right now, Summer and I are doing surprisingly well. My baby already turned 3 years old and she is nearly 100 percent recovered. Although she will never know her dad—my Ryan—like I do, I will continue telling her how much he loved her and how proud he would be of the smart, healthy, beautiful little girl that she has become.
Questions about ways to give through a planned gift?
Contact Lacee O’Brien at 630-623-7048 or lacee.obrien@us.mcd.com