RMHC Has Been There For Us Through the Years

Luanda and Paris

Luanda Sharper and Paris

My family's first experience with the Ronald McDonald House® of Durham and Wake was when my son Paris was three years old. After months of trying to figure out why Paris was so ill, we learned that he had restrictive cardio myopathy. The doctors sent us to see heart specialists at Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center in Durham, North Carolina, which is two hours from our home.

When we arrived I was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do or where to go. The wonderful nurses at the hospital referred us to the Ronald McDonald House, knowing they would offer us the help and support we needed. I never dreamed that was the start of one of our family's longest and most important relationships.

RMHC has helped us cope with so many challenges over the years. Paris has had three heart transplants, a kidney transplant, and spent close to 70 percent of his time at the hospital or the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and Wake since our first visit 16 years ago.

In all that time, the RMHC staff and volunteers have been so good to us. They really understand that while the patient is being taken care of, the family supporting him needs loving care, too.

At the House we could rest and recharge with a good meal. And for those times when I felt I couldn't leave Paris' side for more than an hour or two, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® was a huge help. I could rest there, shower, have a snack, and even do laundry-all without leaving the hospital.

RMHC makes it so that you don't have to concentrate on anything but taking care of your child; everything else is right there for you. They also go out of their way to celebrate with us whenever possible. We were thrilled to share photos from Paris' recent high school graduation with our friends at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham and Wake. Though I may never be able to express how grateful I am to RMHC for all they have done for our family, I know we would not have made it this far without the thoughtful, cheerful and constant care of the House and everyone in it.

Support Hope and Healing

Contact Lacee O’Brien at 630-623-7048 or lacee.obrien@us.mcd.com today or visit our website to discover simple ways to help RMHC care for families and give them a place to rest and refresh for years to come.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to RMHC a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to RMHC, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 110 N Carpenter St Chicago, IL 60607, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to RMHC or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to RMHC as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to RMHC as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and RMHC where you agree to make a gift to RMHC and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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