A Destination Full of Hope

Gary Sweeney's art installation at the Family Room

On Wednesday morning we celebrated the great effort and work of so many co-workers, colleagues, donors and volunteers who have helped to create the new Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Dell Children’s Medical Center.  It was readily apparent to everyone who was there that countless families will enjoy this new space and be able to relax, recharge and unwind a little in this warm, welcoming space.

Becky Nichols and me at the Dell Children's Family Room Ribbon Cutting

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” (Maya Angelou)  This beautiful quote artfully adorns the walls of the new Ronald McDonald Family Room (thanks Gary Sweeney) and it captures the essence of what each of the parents are feeling when they walk through its doors. Becky and I agreed that we would have leaped tall buildings without a net if it meant our little girls would have had the chance to grow up to be the beautiful young women we dreamed they would get to be. I know that Kelli has definitely jumped hurdles to care for her two children and to start the Hand to Hold organization here in Austin. 

Thankfully, most of the families that reach out for support from RMHC-Austin through the Ronald McDonald House and now the two Ronald McDonald Family Room programs will go home with healthy babies and children. And, thankfully, until they are able to go home together the Ronald McDonald House Charities network of support around the world will be there to ensure that all of these children feel the support and presence of what’s most important to them – their families.