Page 50 - Let's Make Waves - September 2018

The Ronald McDonald

House of Galveston

A Look at Who We Are

The soul of the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston lies in
the hearts of our children and their families who return to us

again and again year after year for continued surgeries and treat-
ment.
W From preemie births to cancer, from horrific burns to organ
hat is the Ronald McDonald House of Galves-
ton? Our mission statement speaks to that ques- transplants, we share their pain and their dreams of recovery.
tion simply. The Ronald McDonald House of
While providing a place of rest and respite for those families
Galveston is a non-profit organization operating facing catastrophic illness or a long and painful road of recuper-
a “home-away-from-home” for families who are seeking medical ation from some tragic accident, we are blessed with lessons
evaluation or treatment at UTMB, Shrine Childrens Hospital taught to us by these brave children, lessons of courage, perse-
and TLC. verance and hope.
The Ronald McDonald House of Galveston serves families Donations | What We Need On A Daily Basis
from UTMB (children suffering from a variety of ailments in- Galveston and the surrounding areas are blessed with a popula-
cluding cancer, blood disorders, transplants, reconstruction sur- tion of benefactors and donors who are willing to lend a hand as
gery, kidney disease, and preemie births. The House also wel-
comes children and their families from Shrine Childrens Hospi- well as funds to all the worthy charities in this small town. We
have been the recipients of this generosity and we are grateful to
tal (burn victims) and The Transitional Learning Community
(spinal cord and head trauma). all who donate in whatever amounts, large gifts or small, food-
stuffs, cleaning supplies, school supplies or Gift cards. It is all
Our House is more than just a place to stay, the families and appreciated!
children enjoy cheerful surroundings, inexpensive and safe ac-
commodations and the emotional support of other families in
similar circumstances. We are a Victorian style home located in
Galveston at 14 and Mechanic Street close to the hospitals that • Fruit Juice • Paper Plates
th
we serve. Ours is a home of twenty bedrooms that will accom- • Fruit Cups • Napkins
modate up to four family members each, laundry facilities, sev- • Vermicelli • Paper Towels
eral common rooms with televisions and seating for children • Tomato Sauce • Umbrellas
and families, a school room with computers and a teacher on • Tuna • Baseball Caps
site. A complete and spacious kitchen features cook tops, ovens, • Mayonnaise • Umbrella Strollers
microwaves, dishwashers, freezers and refrigerators with space • Cereal • Griddle Pan
designated for each family. A food pantry with labeled lockers • Crackers • Kitchen Sponges
for each family is stocked with donated food items like canned • Bread • SOS pads
goods, ready-to-cook boxed meals, cereals and snacks. Three • Cooking Oil • Windex
dining rooms with one designated as a “quiet zone” has the ca- • Dill Relish • Lysol Spray
pacity seating of a full house. Our “play areas” include a Teen • Sandwich Meats • Fabuloso Floor Cleaner
room with TV, pool table, game table, air hockey table and a • Vegetables • Dish Soap
new electric train table; the “little people” play room features a • Bottled Water • Pledge
Victorian playhouse, a Pirate ship and a tree house, all handi-
capped accessible. The outside play areas include a basketball Volunteer opportunities await those who can share a few hours
court and covered space for bike riding, and family gatherings. of time or consider cooking a meal for the families or a game of
Bingo…always a popular pastime in the evenings.
Average length of stay is two weeks, but some families may stay
much longer (preemies and burns) Average occupancy is 85% Call the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston at
per day. 409-762-8770.

50 | Waves Magazine | September 2018 Issue