You will not want to miss this Open House event! Ronald, himself, will be present at the unveiling of not one, but two special projects at The Women’s Hospital. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley have partnered with The Women’s Hospital to expand their mission by bringing care and comfort to the families within the walls of the hospital. This special Open House will celebrate the remodel of the parent care area and unveil the new Happy Wheels Cart program.
Ronald McDonald hopes you will join us at this special event- Saturday, February 27, 2016, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Women’s Hospital (4199 Gateway Blvd, Newburgh, Ind.), on the third floor.
“We are fortunate to have space in the hospital for parents to stay if they have a baby in the NICU. The NICU parent support area was previously used as a doctor’s office, and each exam room and office was converted into a sleeping room. Although families are welcome to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House, many times they choose to stay in one of the eleven rooms right here at The Women’s Hospital. Staying close allows the parents to participate in their baby’s care including nursing around the clock. The simple fact that they have a place to sleep right here in the hospital allows them to be a step away from their newborn,†advises Mary Stephens, Nursing Director of Newborn Services at The Women’s Hospital.
“Studies show that children cope better and heal faster when their families are involved in their care. The parent care area of The Women’s Hospital allows parents to focus on the health and well-being of their child. We are happy to partner with The Women’s Hospital to help provide a comfortable space and create a relaxing atmosphere for the many families who will benefit from it,†said Theresa Floyd-Maas, Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley.
Also at Saturday’s Open House, the new RMHC Happy Wheels Cart will be unveiled. “Much like the Ronald McDonald House, this program will allow us to take our ‘home away from home’ away from home. As our volunteers roll it through the hallways of the hospital, they will offer a snack, refreshment and toiletries to parents, while keeping children entertained with books and toys,†said Theresa Floyd-Maas, Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley. “Serving both out of town and local families, the Happy Wheels Cart serves individuals who spend hours on end at the hospital with their child. It offers a small piece of comfort and encouragement to families at a time when they need it most. We are excited to be able to impact the lives of more children through the Happy Wheels Cart.â€
The Happy Wheels Cart is owned by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley, operated by their volunteers, and stocked with items through the generosity of the community. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit: www.rmhcohiovalley.org/volunteer or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lydia Balbach at (812)402-7642. If you are interested in learning more about donating items to stock the Happy Wheels Cart, visit www.rmhcohiovalley.org/hwcwishlist or stop by the Ronald McDonald House: 3540 Washington Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of 300 Chapters in more than 63 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children’s programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs enable family-centered care, provide a bridge to quality health care and are a vital part of the health care continuum and give children and families the time they need to heal and cope better together. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley (located in Evansville, IN) currently has two programs: Ronald McDonald House and Grants. The local charity is able to extend its reach through its Grants program thanks to a restricted gift from local McDonald’s Ohio Valley Co-op. For more information, visit www.rmhcohiovalley.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHCOhioValley) or like us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/rmhcohiovalley).
