In the News
NEWS ARTICLES
Ronald McDonald House Welcomes 9 Families of Multiples
Since August, the Ronald McDonald House has welcomed 6 sets of twins, 1 set of triplets, 1 set of twin siblings, and are getting ready to welcome quadruplets at the end of September!
Ronald McDonald House Renovates 17 Rooms to Better Serve Families with Critically Ill Children
The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) is thrilled to share with you our 17-room renovation project!
Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan appoints Josh Laramy as Board Treasurer
The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) is pleased to announce Josh Laramy has joined the Board of Directors as Board Treasurer.
MEDIA MENTIONS
Ronald McDonald House $2.5M expansion gives families ‘more rooms, more love’ for care – MLIVE
GHACF Youth Advisory Council Awards Largest Amount of Grants in History
Michigan food pantries awarded grants, refrigerators – WOOD
Ronald McDonald House hosting food drive for pantry at Grand Rapids location – WZZM 13
Ronald McDonald House fundraiser featuring food, music, beer – WZZM 13
Ronald McDonald House expanding to serve more families – FOX 17
Ronald McDonald House West Michigan plans $2M expansion to meet growing needs – CRAIN’S
FAMILY STORIES
Keeping Us Together – The Klastow Family
Like many second time moms, Lindsey Klastow didn’t expect an emergency C-section at 31 weeks into her pregnancy due to preeclampsia. Not only was she facing recovery from the unplanned surgery but also a long commute between her home in Ludington, MI and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital where baby Emmitt (born at 1lb. 9oz.) was growing stronger.
A Tough Little Guy – Axel Reyes
“Think of the milestones we would have missed if we couldn’t stay close”, says Nadia as she talks to Chance about their baby Axel.
Rarer Than a Lightning Strike – The Williams Family
Imagine hearing that not only does your child have cancer- but it’s such a rare form that it’s only been documented in 135 cases worldwide- or in less than one percent of the population. More rare than being struck by a lightning bolt.
A Place to Call Home – The Theobald Family
Jilleanna Theobald never expected to be away from her home in Cadillac for six months. But when she was, she couldn’t imagine being at a better place than the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM).
Striving for Normalcy – The Gordier Family
Our family lives in Brimley, Michigan which is 16 miles from the Canadian border. The Upper Peninsula is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, but due to the isolated nature of the area, we lack many medical and psychological services.
Whatever It Takes – The Brimer Family
“Staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan has been a huge blessing to my family and has made it possible to be able to get my son the care he needs.” – Jennifer Brimer
Far From Home – The Willard Family
On December 13th last year, Sean and Amber Willard came to Grand Rapids to meet with leading oncologist Dr. Giselle Sholler, who is Head of the Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Laboratory at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Their 5-year old daughter, Natalie, was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February 2016.
Comfort and Care – The Watkins Family
The Watkins family from Dowagiac, MI found the care they need in Grand Rapids. Fourteen-year-old Kenia has been receiving medical care at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital’s hematology/oncology program and rehabilitation services through Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
An Early Arrival – The Lang Family
The dilemma faced by parents Cassandra Lang and Thomas Augustine is unfortunately not an uncommon one; how to stay close to their child experiencing medical or mental health challenges.
One Head on Collision, Two Families, 54+ Nights – Johnson/Foster Families
It was a late October day in Sturgis, MI (St. Joseph County), when fifteen-year old Dayton Johnson and his best friend, thirteen-year old Asher Foster, took out their dirt bikes for some outdoor fun. That fun turned tragic when the boys had a severe head-on collision, causing traumatic brain injuries, multiple facial fractures and broken bones for both boys.