Saturday, December 6, 2008

The Ronald McDonald House

Every year since Elle's death in 2002 Ron and Debbie Struhs have sponsored a project for the Ronald McDonald house in Denver.

Although it was just over 6 years ago it feels like just yesterday that Reed and I checked into the Ronald McDonald House in Denver with our daughter, Elle. After a flurry of activity I had found myself alone in a strange city with literally nowhere to stay. Reed had flown back to Utah for work and in our hurry to get our daughter to the best hospital for her we hadn't stopped to arrange our living arrangements. Luckily, the next morning a RMH representative came by and by the next afternoon I was settled into a cozy little room just steps from the hospital.

Today the Ronald McDonald House in Colorado has grown substantially. They now have two homes to service Denver area hospitals. With the construction of the new house, in Aurora, has come an increased financial need. Although they often receive "fun" gifts such as toys their greatest need is currently monetary. To help meet this need they are currently offering the opportunity to "buy" memorial plaques which will be displayed in the RMH. These plaques measure 12X12 and feature the child's name and picture. Obviously, the majority of the funds raised go not towards the purchase/crafting of the plaques, but are used in for the ongoing care and upkeep of the RMH and the families they sponsor. I cannot begin to explain the relief that came from living in the Ronald McDonald House. We were within walking distance of our very sick little girl, surrounded by friends who "understood" and no longer concerned with financial aspect of our housing.

Our goal this year is to raise at least $450.00. I am confident that if we come together and each donate even a little we can far surpass our goal for this worthy cause. Feel free to contact Debbie at d.struhs@comcast.net or Kendall at kendallpeterson@gmail.com for specifics on donation.

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