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SPRING 2014rmhakron.org
A NEWSLETTER OF HOPE, STRENGTH & SUPPORT
CARECONNECTIONAKRON
SIBLINGS FIND STRENGTH IN EACH OTHER. GREGGORY’S STORY OF RECOVERY. PAGE 6
GET THE FACTS: CAPITAL CAMPAIGNSEE INSIDE
our promiseTO KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER
WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
SPRING 2014 CARE CONNECTION 3DONATE TODAY rmhakron.org
Dear Friends,
For the past fifteen years I have been privileged to be involved with the Ronald McDonald House of Akron and have witnessed first hand the important work that is done there and its impact on families’ lives. When a child is diagnosed with a
life-threatening disease or illness it can place extreme emotional and financial stress on a family. The Ronald McDonald House of Akron helps alleviate some of that anxiety by providing lodging, meals and comfort to families in their time of greatest need. Parents are able to focus on their child’s recovery, siblings can remain nearby, and the sick child knows that family members are never far away.
For nearly three decades, Ronald McDonald House of Akron has provided a supportive home-away-from home for families receiving medical treatment at Akron Children’s Hospital. The need for our services has continued to grow as Akron Children’s Hospital has become the largest pediatric health care provider in Northeast Ohio. Today the Ronald McDonald House is at total capacity on a regular basis, which means we often turn families away in need. Understandably this is never easy.
In 2013, RMH of Akron served 12,291 people and had to say no to families over 6,000 times.
To meet our families’ needs, the Ronald McDonald House of Akron is undertaking a $10 million building campaign to add 40 necessary rooms and update our 20 existing rooms which are nearly 30 years old. We are fortunate as a community to have a premier children’s hospital and a Ronald McDonald House to complement it. Our expansion plan will not be possible without community support so that is why I am asking you for your help. Won’t you please join me in keeping more families together when it matters the most?
Gratefully,
Cindy Misheff Campaign Chair
Help us Continue Creating a Home Away From Home
COMMITTEEJohn Blickle
CAMPAIGN HONORARY CO-CHAIR McDonald’s Owner/Operator
Rubber City Arches
Paul Greig CAMPAIGN HONORARY CO-CHAIRPresident and CEO, FirstMerit Bank
Cindy Misheff CAMPAIGN CHAIR
Sal Baglieri McDonald’s Owner/Operator
Baglieri Enterprises, Ltd.
Patricia Easton Louis Perry & Associates, Inc.
Jim Eckelberry FirstMerit Bank
Casey Hughes RMH of Akron Board Vice President
Lea Heidman McDonald’s Owner/Operator
Golden Alliance Inc.
Heather Jalbert Past RMH of Akron Board President
Thomas Locke McDonald’s Owner/Operator
Tomtreyco, Inc
Kristine Movsesian FirstMerit Bank
Jill Papajcik Friends of RMH of Akron Committee
William and Kim Rogers Former RMH of Akron Residents
and Supporters
Steve Shriber RMH of Akron Board President
Windstream
Paul Siegfried McDonald’s Owner/Operator
Siegfried Enterprises
Paula M. Selvaggio Oswald Companies
Dr. and Mrs. Robert StoneAkron Children’s Hospital
Anne CollinsExecutive Director
Ronald McDonald House of Akron
John Zoilo Executive Director &
Vice President for Development Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation
A MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPAIGN CHAIR
GET THE FACTS: CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
A $10 Million Capital CampaignMore and more families are coming
to Akron Children’s Hospital looking for hope for their critically ill child. Some stay days, some stay weeks, but they all wish to be nearby as their child receives care and treatment. The Ronald McDonald House of Akron (RMH of Akron) helps keep families just across the street from the hospital and their child. Unfortunately, the demand for services exceeds our room for capacity on a regular basis, which means we have to turn too many families away. To ensure that more families can stay together during a demanding time, RMH of Akron must expand. Akron Children’s Hospital is embarking on its first capital campaign in more than 20 years, a $60 million capital campaign for building expansion. As part of this effort, $10 million is needed to help with the renovation and expansion of RMH of Akron. Plans include growing from 20 to 60 rooms, plus adding more living and social areas and other amenities that afford more families the chance to stay close to their child during hospital stays.
Ensuring Future Stays For More Families
Because of the vision and commitment of William Considine, president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Akron was built on a promise of supporting families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. As Akron Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric health care provider in Northeast Ohio, continues to grow, RMH of Akron will be more heavily relied on in the future. RMH of Akron is used by families from nearly 50 Ohio Counties, as well as other states and countries, who do not have or can’t afford a place to stay when their child is at the hospital. We need your support to expand on the house that love built. Along the way, there will be recognition opportunities to create a legacy for yourself, a loved one, your family, a colleague, organization or company. Your support, and that of so many others, is truly one of our community’s greatest assets.
every gift matters
Giving More Families Space, Time and Comfort to Stay Together
For more information on how your generosity can help create more rooms for families to be together, contact Executive Director Anne Collins at 330-253-5400 or [email protected].
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EXPANSION PLANS
Up to 40 New Family Bedrooms for a total of 60 Rooms
Up to Ten New Long Term Stay Rooms
Expanded New Kitchen and Dining Room
Renovation of Existing Bedrooms
Community Based Conference Room Family/Game Room Family Laundry Areas Common Areas Expanded Administrative Offices Furniture and Fixtures
Once completed, the renovated and expanded Ronald McDonald House of Akron will allow us to serve up to 60 families each night, which equates to 21,900 nights of lodging a year. To be part of this extraordinary mission, please contact us today.
Get The Facts: Since Ronald McDonald House opened its doors on January 13, 1985: 26,178 families
have been guests 10,585 hot meals
have been served
RMH OF AKRON IMPACT & ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2013, we served families from:
5 countries 24 states 47 Ohio counties - top counties served: Mahoning, Stark, Trumbull, Columbiana, Tuscarawas, Huron, Wayne, Holmes, Richland, Coshocton & Summit
Our services are provided with the minimal request of: $10 per night
donation, however no one is turned away because of an inability to pay
GET THE FACTS: CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
JUNE19th, 6-9pm: Friends’ Night at Gervasi Vineyard
Hosted by Friends of the Ronald McDonald House of Akron, this 2nd Annual event will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live & silent auctions.
21st: Red Shoe Society Putt-Putt Golf Tournament
Have some fun with the Red Shoe Society at Sto-Kent Family Entertainment. Enjoy mini-golf, food, candy wagon, music and auction. All ages are welcomed!
23rd: Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Classic
Hosted by the Junior Women’s Civic Club, this annual event will include a day of action packed golf followed by hors d’oeuvres and silent auction at Brookside Country Club.
JULY17th: Summit’s Plow to Chow
Hosted by Summit County Farm Bureau, enjoy a delicious outdoor dining experience and entertainment at Boughton Farm.
30th – Aug 3rd: World Golf Championships - Bridgestone Invitational®
For the second year in a row, RMH of Akron has been selected as the 2014 Anchor Charity. Come see the world’s greatest golfers and support RMH at Firestone Country Club!
AUGUST 30th, 3-8pm: Akron Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
Come check out some unique cars, trucks and motorcycles while supporting RMH at the Spaghetti Warehouse parking lot!
SEPTEMBER6th, 8am – 5:30pm: 1st Annual Friends of the Ronald McDonald House Sporting Clays Classic
At the Hill ‘n Dale Club in Medina, the event will include both a morning Pro-Am for new and less experienced shooters as well as an afternoon NSCA tournament for those more experienced.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Take a look at the many great events coming up to support RMH - There’s a little something for everyone! Check out the RMH website for event updates.
Jumping into an Ohio lake in the middle of winter is not something
most of us would typically do, but on February 22,nd over 900 brave jumpers took the plunge to raise money for Ronald McDonald House of Akron and Camp Quality Ohio! The Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club selected both organizations as the beneficiaries of the 2014 Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump. This year’s jump raised over $100,000, the most raised in any year since the jump started in 2004.
The House had some truly spectacular support shown, both jumpers and donations alike! Numerous members of House staff, volunteers, board and friends jumped into the icy water to show support for RMH and even more people gave generously to sponsor all the jumpers. To top it all off, Darrin Kotecki and Joe Kidder of GPD Group, architectural firm for the House expansion, took the plunge and raised over $6,700 to support the House. WOW!
FUNDRAISING
Warm Hearts Get a Big Chill
This successful event would have never been possible without the dedication and passion of the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club members, specifically Heather, Kelly, Michael, Debbie and Jeff. These individuals volunteer their time and plan this annual event to support local charities and have a good time doing it. It was an honor being part of such a wonderful event and RMH thanks you for your time, talent and support!
Volunteers are the “heart” of the Ronald McDonald House providing a total of 10,796 hours last year, saving the House nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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In many ways, Greggory is a typical teenager. He is 16 years old, he goes
to Copley High School, and he is in the band. He tried a stint with the trumpet, but his main instruments are the flute and the oboe. His younger sister, Marrissa, thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread.
But when he was four years old, Greggory and his parents, Monica and Lamarr, discovered something quite atypical about Greggory during routine dental surgery - he had low platelets on his blood work. As he grew, his low platelets grew into bigger issues, culminating in a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome, in other words, his bone marrow was beginning to shut down.
After much discussion among Greggory and his parents and doctors, it was decided that it was time to do a bone marrow transplant. This is something they always knew would need to be done, but with the possibility of his blood disorder developing into leukemia, and since they knew he could have the transplant done and over with
OUR PROMISE:
To Keep Families Together When it Matters Most
before he started his senior year of high school, the decision seemed clear.
The next step was to find a bone marrow donor. After all six of his siblings were tested, they found a perfect ten match - Marrissa - his laughing, singing, happy third-grade sister. In Monica’s words, Marrissa was all for it without any hesitation. She just wanted her brother to be better.
On October 17, 2013, Greggory underwent a bone marrow transplant at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Once Greggory was able to be discharged from the hospital, he joined his mother, Monica, at the Ronald McDonald House of Akron. They stayed at the House for 96 days in total, until on January 11, 2014, when they were able to go back to their home in Copley.
Three months of being confined to the hospital, and later, a room at the Ronald McDonald House, is long for any teenager, but for mom Monica, who works in the food service department at Akron Children’s Hospital, it was problematic. That is, until her coworkers came together. Her FMLA time had run
out, so they donated over 200 hours of their own PTO time to Monica. After eight years as an employee at the hospital, Greggory’s treatment gave Monica a greater appreciation for the hospital she worked at, and the gift of PTO time gave her a sense of the caring community of people around her.
At the Ronald McDonald House, this caring continued. Monica says, “The House took our worries away so that we could concentrate on Greggory. It was especially great that Marrissa could stay at the House since she couldn’t stay at the hospital. It helped us all stay together.”
During a critical time in his stay, it was important that Greggory stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. When the staff at the House found out that he loved canned mandarin oranges, they made sure that a pack would be left at Greggory’s door every night. The staff noticed that Monica had a cold while staying at the house. They made
a specific trip to a local store to get the supplies she needed to feel more comfortable. Arrangements were even made to have Greggory’s dog come for a surprise visit, but he and his mom were discharged to home before the date arrived. One of the results of his stay is that Greggory has decided that he would like to repay the kindness he and his mom received by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House during his senior year of high school.
The story of this family is the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things: Marrissa choosing to donate her bone marrow to her brother without a second thought. Monica’s coworkers making sure she had the security to be able to be with her son when he needed her. And the Ronald McDonald House, with its dedicated staff, as well as the engine of volunteers that makes the House run, giving Monica and Greggory 96 days of a caring, loving home away from home.
COVER STORY
“The House took our worries away so that we could concentrate on Greggory. It was especially great that Marrissa could stay at the House since she couldn’t stay at the hospital. It helped us all stay together.”
FACEBOOK Visit us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with house happenings.
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Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 was a day that started like any other.
Our families awoke, the coffee was made, many made their way over to the hospital and a full day was ahead for all of us.
Around 11:30AM, the day was turned upside down when a sprinkler pipe burst in the fire suppression system in the playroom off the kitchen causing what looked like a rainstorm inside of the House!
Although Akron Fire Department’s Captain Howe and team arrived within minutes and got right to work, major damage was sustained to the playroom, laundry room, dining room, storage room and some hallways, including the main hallway in the basement. Ceilings and walls had to be torn down as well as carpet and floors removed. When the restoration crews were working, House staff considered what it would mean to have to close the House for some time in order to get things back up and running as normal. After all, our water and power had to be shut off, a portion of the ceiling collapsed, families were evacuated and the reality of what happened really began to sink in. What would we do if we had to close for a
day, a few days or even a week? More importantly, what would our families do?
Fortunately, as the day moved along and the restoration crews kept to work, the staff was relieved to find that those questions would never have to be answered. After many hours of work, our power and water were returned, the damaged areas were blocked off and families were able to get back into their rooms. With a little creative thinking, staff and volunteers rearranged the entire first floor and made the existing family room both a dining and family room. Staff was even able to serve dinner that very night – pizza it was!
Over the course of the following weeks and even to this very day, staff realized that things could have been much worse. No one was hurt and everything that was destroyed was either fixable or replaceable. What is even more amazing is the community support the House has received. Dust and debris have been commonplace around the House, which forced staff to suspend all in House cooking since the pipe burst.
When word of this got out into the community, many groups, restaurants and individuals came through in a big way!
Since the House serves a full meal every night, every single meal had to be brought in from a local establishment or store. Not only did the House receive multiple gift card donations to purchase meals, individuals purchased entire meals and delivered them to the House and many restaurants gave the House some great discounts to ensure a nightly meal was available for the families. Not a single day of dinner has been missed despite the damage!
When it Rains, it PoursRMH OVERCOMES AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION AND FINDS STRENGTH WITH THE HELP OF MANY FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS
The house staff gives many thanks to Allen Keith Construction Co., led by Bill Coldwell, who has spearheaded the entire construction process.
Every crew that has come in and worked on the House has not only done a superior job, but respects the RMH mission and families. Another big thanks goes to Mannington and Interface who generously agreed to donate all of the flooring that needs to be replaced. The construction to fix the damaged areas is also giving the House the opportunity to ‘test’
materials, furnishings and colors for the expansion. The kitchen and dining room were painted a spring-like blue and green and floors are being laid in two different ways, with the intent to see how they should be used in the new House. Thanks goes to Mike Marz and Kimberly Wiandt of GPD Group, architectural firm for the House expansion, who gave the House some wonderful recommendations on materials to use.
Staff welcomes friends to come by the House and see for yourself all the wonderful work that has been completed the past couple months!
GET INVOLVED
Looking to Get Involved?Explore the many ways to get involved
and find the one that inspires you at rmhakron.org
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Connect with us and start receiving the monthly Ronald McDonald House of Akron e-newsletter.
Visit us online to subscribe or send an email to [email protected].
A Message From Our Executive Director, Anne Collins
There is Nothing Wrong with Change, if it is in the Right Direction. —Winston Churchill
As we prepare for the expansion of our House many changes are taking place. People have asked, “why the change”? There are many answers and a long list of stats with which we can answer, but we feel that just one statistic says it all: In 2013 we had to tell parents who needed a place to stay while their child was being treated at Akron Children’s Hospital we could not provide the room they needed over 6,000 times. Not being able to help these families is not living up to our mission and makes this change critical.
As you have read, the Akron Children’s Hospital capital campaign of $60 million will help us make the expansion and renovation of the Ronald McDonald House of Akron a reality. We are working together with the hospital in this effort to raise $10 million which will go towards making the expansion and renovations a reality and make sure our changes are in the right direction.
This newsletter you are reading has been expanded and changed to reflect the future. For 29 years this publication has gone out to families and supporters of our House under the banner of “Care Cables.” It has served us well and we will continue with this tradition now titled
“Care Connection.” It is our hope that this change will promote the Ronald McDonald House of Akron to new friends as well as all the people who have supported us over the past three decades.
If you come to the campus of Akron Children’s Hospital you will be amazed at the change of the skyline, and soon you will see that same change where our house will rise up. Many call this change, but another word we like to use is progress. The Ronald McDonald House of Akron has been a hidden gem in the Akron community for too long. The expansion and changes will create new community awareness.
Please become part of this exciting and changing time. We need your support and help; our door is always open and that will never change.
Dear Friends,It is a tremendous honor for me to
represent the Board of Trustees for the Ronald McDonald House of Akron and I want to commend Heather Jalbert for her outstanding leadership during the past two years as Board President.
As I begin my new role as Board President, I can’t help but feel excited about what’s to come during the next few years for the House. The outstanding progress made on the new Critical Care Tower at Akron Children’s Hospital fills me with anticipation when thinking about our own expansion. Although this project will no doubt be an extraordinary and sometimes overwhelming experience, we are fortunate enough to have driven and passionate leaders in our community spearheading the capital campaign needed to make our expansion a success.
What fills me with motivation is our families. Seeing a family struggle during their crisis and time of need is difficult. Having to turn away thousands of families who are in need of a place to be close to their loved one at Akron Children’s Hospital is unacceptable.
A Message From Our President, Steve Shriber
© Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
STAFF:Executive Director Anne CollinsDirector of Programs and Services Meri SkieraExecutive/ Development Assistant Stephanie ZelaskoNight/Weekend Manager Mary Merendino Weekend Supervisor Lauri Esposito
CARE CABLES:Designer TRIAD/Next LevelPrinter Star Printing Editor Stephanie Zelasko
WHO TO CALL: For volunteer opportunities, either on a regular basis or for special needs, call Meri Skiera at 330.253.5400. For information on organizing a fundraising event, call Anne Collins at 330.253.5400. If your group or organization needs a speaker to discuss our mission, call Meri Skiera at 330.253.5400.
♥ Granola bars, Nutri-Grain® bars
♥ Fruit cups ♥ Applesauce ♥ Pudding/
Jello cups ♥ Snack crackers
- cheese, peanut butter
♥ Fruit snacks, raisins
♥ Popcorn ♥ Pretzels ♥ Crackers ♥ Potato chips ♥ Cereal boxes
♥ Juice boxes/bags ♥ Fresh fruits -
apples, bananas, pears, oranges
♥ Yogurt cups ♥ Lunch meat ♥ Sliced cheese ♥ White/
wheat bread ♥ Hot dogs ♥ Frozen store
purchased soups-family size
♥ Stouffer’s/Lean Cuisine® individual serving entrées
♥ Laundry detergent
♥ Paper towels ♥ Dryer sheets ♥ Dishwasher
detergent ♥ Swiffer® Sweeper
wet cloth refills ♥ Pledge® furniture
polish
♥ Purell® travel size
♥ Chap Stick ♥ Gift cards:
Acme, Giant Eagle, Sam’s Club, BJ’s or Bed, Bath & Beyond
Single serving packaged:
HONORARY TRUSTEES:William ConsidineRobert Klein, M.D.John Shaffer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:President Steve Shriber Vice President Casey Hughes Treasurer Kimberly McFarlaneSecretary Kristin Susick
BOARD MEMBERS:Sarah BakerJohn BlickleSarah FlanneryDonna GrigasJeffrey Hord, M.D.
Lusia IturriagaHeather JalbertDon McCardleConnie NolteMichael O’Malley
Rosie PerezPhilip Smith, M.D., PhDPamela J. WebbJanis WorleyDawn ZelichJohn D. Zoilo
GET INVOLVED Visit us at rmhakron.org for additional wish list items.
Donation Wish List:
CONNECT
In 2013, we were forced to turn away over 6,000 families due to a lack of rooms. It speaks for itself - we need a bigger House.
I invite all members of our community and the surrounding areas to come see the House firsthand and ask about the exciting changes that will be taking place in the next few years. Your support and love will be crucial to our success. Please join me in keeping families together when it matters most.
Steve Shriber, President Ronald McDonald House of Akron
DONATE TODAY rmhakron.org
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