Newswise — Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio (RMHC) is building more stories of hope throughout Central Ohio and beyond. The charity is unveiling its new 57-guest room expansion on September 11. These new additions make the Columbus Ronald McDonald House the largest in the world, with a total of 137 guest rooms on campus, and will allow the charity to provide over 15,000 additional nights at the House every year for families of seriously ill children.
The expansion at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House features 57 guest rooms, three themed common areas, a commercial kitchen, a rooftop garden and five single-family homes for families whose children have extended stays at the hospital. These extended stay suites are isolated from the rest of the House to allow organ transplant recipients and immune-suppressed patients to stay with their families while they recover. The expansion also includes additional green space with a healing garden, fountain and backyard for families and children to enjoy while staying at the House. The rooms have been opened to families.
In 1978, Judy and Tom Skinner were in the depths of the most difficult circumstances any family could face – their son, Greg, was fighting leukemia at the children’s hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The Skinners were at the hospital day and night, never leaving the side of their son. During his treatment, Judy was approached by some folks who were interested in possibly building a Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. Knowing exactly what it would mean to have a home-away-from-home right next to the hospital, they were sold from day one.
Tragically, Greg lost his battle with cancer. To keep his memory alive, and help families who were going through similar circumstances, Judy committed to volunteering for the then brand new Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, Ohio. Little did she know that she would be volunteering from that point forward, giving over 36 years to date in support of the mission of the House.
Judy is a regular staple at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House every Tuesday morning, always with a bright smile and a pleasant attitude. Judy handles the entire inventory and ordering of Coca-Cola products that are donated to the Ronald McDonald House, and supports the efforts of the House as a Housewarmer.
Judy’s story is a story of heart and hope. A story of a “never give up” attitude toward life. During a time in her life that she could have easily retreated, Judy stepped in to support moms and dads just like her. This story is the essence of what the Ronald McDonald House means to thousands of families every day.
From its humble beginnings, our local facility has recently become the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world, with the just completed expansion adding 57 additional guest rooms to our 80 guest room facility, for a total of 137 guest rooms on campus at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. Judy has been here since before the House was even born, only an idea in the minds of a few committed souls. Because of her tireless efforts, we are now able to support over 3,000 families every single year to be across the street from their children being treated at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central OhioThe Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio is located directly across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Open 365 days a year, the Ronald McDonald House is a home-away-from-home for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment in the hospital. The House offers comfortable bedrooms with private baths, continuing care suites for recovering transplant patients, fully equipped kitchens and dining areas, play rooms, laundry facilities, a meditation room, exercise room and informal gathering areas. 137 families can be accommodated at the Columbus campus, making it the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world. For more information, visit www.rmhc-centralohio.org.
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