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When a child is critically ill, parents often spend days and nights at the hospital, putting their own needs aside so they can remain close to their child.
To help support those families, HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois on Monday unveiled the Ronald McDonald House Family Room located near the pediatric intensive care unit.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois remodeled an existing space to bring the Ronald McDonald House Family Room to HSHS St. John's. The Family Room offers many comforts of home, including updated furnishings, a bathroom with a shower, washer, dryer, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and complimentary food items and snacks.
As part of the partnership, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois will manage the Ronald McDonald House Family Room, ensuring families have access to resources throughout the day.
“When families have a child in the pediatric intensive care unit, they often face uncertainty, fear and exhaustion,” said Paul Ferguson, Interim Chief Operating Officer of HSHS’ Central Illinois Market, which includes St. John’s Children’s Hospital. “By partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, we can provide a space that offers comfort, dignity and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly challenging time.”
“When a child is hospitalized, families shouldn't have to choose between staying by their child's side and taking care of themselves,” said Amber Kaylor, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois. “The Ronald McDonald House Family Room offers parents a place to step away for just a moment to rest, enjoy a meal, or simply take a breath, knowing they remain only steps away from their child. We are deeply grateful to HSHS St. John's Hospital for their partnership and shared commitment to caring for the whole family. Together, we're creating a space where compassion, comfort, and hope are always nearby.”
Nurses witness firsthand the emotional toll that serious illness can take on families, according to Jennifer Garnica, MHA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer of HSHS’ Central Illinois Market.
“Our care extends beyond the patient to the entire family,” Garnica said. "This Ronald McDonald House Family Room gives parents a place to take a breath, grab a meal, wash a load of laundry or simply rest for a few moments without leaving the hospital. Those small comforts can make a meaningful difference."
Donors to the Ronald McDonald House Family Room include Ronald McDonald House Global, HSHS St. John’s Hospital Foundation, the John Ullrich Foundation, and the Kellner Family Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.
Individuals seeking an opportunity to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Family Room can contact Katie Sundby, Manager of Volunteer Services at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, at Katie.Sundby@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital, visit hshs.org/st-johns-childrens. For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, visit rmhc-centralillinois.org.
