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| RMHC Atlanta 2024 |
“To kill the cancer, we need to take the kids to the very
edge of death, and then bring them
It struck me because it’s true and we’ve seen it again and
again with Phin, with friends, with other children across the world. In some
cases, we’ve seen the treatment or effects of the treatment lead to conditions
that allow children—or even cause them--to die. Yes, the cancer itself has
taken countless lives, but the treatment is responsible for many, as well. I
have stressed this before: the treatment we willingly give to take a shot at
saving our children is deadly, toxic. There were times Dustin and I had to wear
gloves to bathe or help wipe Phin after going to the bathroom or to handle his
urine after measuring the output…and not just to be sanitary, but to protect us
from the toxicity of just a drop of any of it getting on us. Can you imagine
having to wear protective gear to help keep you safe from a toxin that is put intentionally
into your child to help cure them?
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| The Very Edge at CHOA May 31, 2024: Transplant |
It’s daunting to know how helpless we are to do something more to find a cure for childhood cancer. We are not wealthy enough to fund studies, not learned enough to find the cures ourselves, not connected enough to bring together the resources needed to come up with new treatments. We feel as helpless as we did in the hospital room as we watched Phin standing on the very edge of death, praying he could make his way back to us. Because of this desperate helplessness, during Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we turn to our favorite childhood cancer organizations. We pluck items from their wish lists, sell lemonade and baked goods to raise funds for their cause, collect can tabs to raise awareness, round up at McDonald’s, and look for ways to volunteer.
But this Childhood Cancer Awareness month, instead of despairing over all the things we can't do, we finally did something we have wanted to do for a very long time: volunteered to make a meal for the families at our local Ronald McDonald of the Coastal Empire—a branch of the RMHC that serves patients who were alongside Phin during his line of treatment in 2022 and then, again, during salvage treatment in 2024, and so many others who have come before and after. Since our experience at the RMHC of the Coastal Empire, we’ve had a ton of people reach out to ask how we did it, what it entailed, if we could offer more info. To that end, I’ve written a brief FAQ section for those who are interested.
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| Dinner accomplished, RMHC 2026 |
1. What is the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)?
The RMHC is a home away from home for
families whose children require inpatient treatment at the hospital (in our
case, Memorial). Families stay free of charge at the house and are given access
to food, a stocked laundry room, a complete working kitchen with meals provided
nightly, activities for kids, and a room of their own with two double beds and
a bathroom (towels, soaps, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes…etc. also
provided) for the duration of the patient’s stay. They have anticipated
families’ needs and provided them in the event of a sudden inpatient stay or a
planned one.
2.
What kind of volunteer opportunities do
they have at the RMHC?
Lots! From helping to straighten up and
stock items, to preparing a meal for the families, the RMHC has volunteer opportunities
for small groups, large groups, individuals…you name it. Our family
specifically chose to make a “Meal from the Heart” for the families staying
there.
3.
What is a Meal from the Heart?
A Meal from the Heart is a meal that is
planned, purchased, and prepared specifically for the families staying at the
RMHC that evening.
4.
How do you know what to make?
Think: nourishing, comforting food. The RMHC
provides a list of potential meals. When we went, we made a chili and hot dog
bar for families so they could have one or the other or both. We also brought a
tray of prebaked cookies from our local club store—everyone loves dessert!
5.
How many people do you need to plan to
feed?
Our local House’s capacity is 25-35 people
and the volunteer coordinator at the house will let you know in advance exactly
how many they expect AND if there are any dietary restrictions such as
allergies or vegetarians…etc.
6. How long does it take?
This will vary depending on the meal you
plan to make, but we went in at 4 and were done by 6 (the official dinner time at
the house is at 6 p.m., but no one is going to be angry if you’re done sooner
or later; they just appreciate your generosity).
7. Does it have to be dinner?
Technically, no. You can sign up to do a
brunch or other meal (I’m unsure of start times for those, so you’ll want to
check with the House). We always loved a surprise brunch when we stayed at the
House. One of Phin’s favorite foods is bacon and it thrilled him to wake up and
head downstairs to find a whole tray of it just waiting for him!
8.
Can you make a meal and bring it?
Unfortunately, no. If you plan to cook a
meal, you must purchase the supplies and cook the meal in the RMHC’s kitchen
while wearing a mask and gloves—which the House provides. However, the House is
equipped with everything you could need: pots, pans, casserole dishes, mixing
bowls, cooking utensils, can openers…etc. You name it, they have it at the
ready! And if you’re worried about time, you are allowed to prepurchase bulk
desserts if you plan to include a dessert (not required).
9.
What if I don’t like to cook or am not
good at it? Can I send a meal?
Sure thing. You are able to order a meal instead
of making one at the House. You can either have it delivered or bring it over
yourself. Pizza nights were popular when we stayed at the RMHC in Atlanta.
10 How many of us can come and make a meal
at a time?
Eight! It’s a pretty small space and kitchen so too many cooks is quite literally way too many cooks for that kitchen.
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| Snack bag assembly |
Yes! Ours came and helped (wearing gloves
and masks), but when we were working with knives or particularly hot items, we
set them up at a table to stuff snack bags for long hospital stays. This is not
required or necessary. We have had long days with Phin at the clinic where he
was hooked up to machines or had tests conducted for hours. Inevitably, he’d
get hungry and/or bored and being able to grab a bag of snacks on our way out of
the RMHC to give him throughout the day has been a real lifesaver so we wanted
to provide the same for families heading to clinic for hours of chemotherapy
treatment or testing…etc.
12.
How do I sign up to make a Meal from the
Heart?
Check the meal calendar to see which dates
are available: https://www.rmhccoastalempire.org/get-involved/adopt-a-meal/
then contact Josie (Josie@rmhccoastalempire.org)
or Lizzy (lizzy@rmhccoastalempire.org ) and let them know which night you’d
like to make a meal. You can also call at: (912)350-7641. They will send you an
application with info and guidelines to fill out and read, and secure your date
for you.
13.
How far in advance do I need to choose a
date?
A week, at least, lead time is best, but the
House is flexible if they’re in need of meals (which they sometimes are in desperate
need of).
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| Our first RMHC Meal from the Heart! |
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| RMHC Atlanta, 2024 |
The National Marrow Donor
Program Registry
*(I want to be honest here. I can’t find the source of this
quote but many of the sentiments I have found by this expert say something
similar to this quote, so it may be a paraphrase or direct quote but I am
unable to verify its authenticity as stated.)
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