RMH Fall 2013 Newsletter - Ronald McDonald House Charities of

FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 1
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE HURON VALLEY
HOPE AWAY FROM HOME
FALL 2013
Ronald McDonald House
of Ann Arbor
1600 Washington Heights
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
734.994.4442
I
Ronald McDonald House
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
1540 East Hospital Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
www.rmh–annarbor.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
Letter from Our
Executive Director
2
Phase 2
Renovation Update
3
Family Story
“Our Miracle Baby”
3
Special Events
4-5
Ways You Can Help
“A Generous Gift”
6
Volunteer Spotlight
Wish List
7
n July of 2007, Chaka Davis and Travis Brown
were excited about getting a second chance at
becoming parents. Chaka had lost her first son,
Savion, due to a stillborn pregnancy in 1997.
When she became pregnant with Tristan, doctors
discovered that she was prone to blood clots,
which was a concern to the health of the baby.
Chaka visited several specialists throughout her
pregnancy to find ways to prevent the clotting.
On February 27, 2008, Chaka began having
contractions. It was a very successful delivery
until doctors noticed that Tristan was urinating
frequently and tests found that he was born with
small kidneys. Tristan was then transported to
the NICU in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where
he was initially diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidis.
Tristan spent six weeks in the NICU and when
he was finally released to go home, Chaka and
Travis were so thankful for their second chance.
He was airlifted to the University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill PICU Hospital where he had several
surgeries; tracheostomy, gastronomy, hemodialysis
and peritoneal dialysis. The medical team at the
hospital in North Carolina decided that Tristan
required VEPTR surgery and would need to be
transported to the University of Michigan C.S Mott
Children’s Hospital. Chaka, Travis and Tristan took
the air flight from UNC Chapel Hill Hospital to U
of M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital where they
were welcomed by the Nephrology and Lung
medical team. Chaka and Travis felt comfortable
and hopeful in their temporary new “home.”
(continued)
During one of his routine visits to his pediatrician,
the doctor noticed Tristan’s chest was small and
bell shaped and requested that Chaka and
Travis visit a Genetics physician. After a year of
research and testing, doctors determined that
Tristan had Jeune Syndrome – a rare genetic
disorder that affects the way a child’s cartilage
and bones develop. Chaka and Travis
were devastated.
Although being susceptible to getting sick
easily, Tristan was a busy toddler. He loved
nursery rhymes, the ABC’s and learning new
words. In 2010, he became very ill and the
medical staff at a local area hospital discovered
his little kidneys were failing and he was having
a difficult time maintaining normal oxygen levels.
1
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 2
A Letter from the Executive Director
Kim Kelly
F
all is in the air! Ann Arbor is always a busy place in the
Fall as students arrive back to town to begin classes and
it seems all the weekly conversations are centered around
the football games! Here at the Houses, fall also marks
the beginning of new Board year. We are excited to
welcome five new Board members that will bring fresh
experiences and energy to our organization.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Ronald McDonald
House of Ann Arbor is to provide a
“home away from home” for families
of children experiencing a serious illness
or injury requiring hospitalization or
treatment on an outpatient basis.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alan Harris – President
Ryan Noel – Vice President
Sharon Carty – Secretary
Doug Mervis – Treasurer
Joseph Kryza
Sheri Belcher-Tribble
Gerald Olinik
Jenny Carpenter
David Perry
Loree Collett
Benjamin Rodgers
Brian Cowan
Davang Shah
Emily Deedler
Mark Slade
Molly Dwyer-White
Dave Warren
Rosie Fellhauer
Elissa Gaies
James P. Greene
STAFF
Administration
Kim Kelly – Executive Director
Melissa Bauernfeind – Development &
Marketing Communications Manager
Ginny Bareham – Volunteer Coordinator
Marcia Monson – Operations Director
House Managers
Kathy Baum
Karla Brauer
Lori Bunker
Bonnie Compton
Michelle Harris
Michele Horvath
Nancy Merlo
Beth Paterini
Amy Parravano-Drummond
Jennifer Toburen
www.rmh-annarbor.og
[email protected]
2
The seasonal change does not affect what we do here
at the Ronald McDonald Houses of Ann Arbor on a daily
basis. We continue to provide our families with the greatest care and support as
they focus all their energies on their sick child in the hospital. Now able to serve
41 families, both Houses are at full capacity almost every night. While this growth
is remarkable, we also find a great need to grow our community outreach,
fundraising efforts and volunteer base. The Board of Directors has taken the
responsibility of creating a new strategic plan. We look forward to the future
improvement, expansion and refinement of our program.
Every donor, volunteer, supporter and staff member are an essential part of the
help we provide to the many sick children and their families. Thank you for
generously lending your hand and heart by embracing our families.
Your support matters to all of them.
Tristan’s Journey (continued from page 1)
After two months and several successful major surgeries at
C.S Mott Children’s Hospital, Tristan and his parents were
headed back home to North Carolina. When the family
arrived home, Tristan was doing well until May of 2012.
With his mother by his side, holding his hand, Tristan
went into cardiac arrest and passed away in his sleep.
Chaka and Travis feel blessed that they had time with
Tristan, although limited. Even in his short years of life,
Tristan had a purpose and taught his parents and
everyone around him about strength. Through Tristan’s journey,
the Ronald McDonald Houses of Ann Arbor allowed Chaka and Travis the ability
to completely focus on Tristan. Having a place to come home to each night allowed for a
time of rest, even if just for a few moments. They met several families with ailing children
from different cities and states.
By sharing stories with these other families experiencing
similar situations, Chaka and Travis gained more strength
and comfort knowing others understood what they were
going through. They also are extremely thankful for the
staff at the Ronald McDonald Houses who were very
caring and supportive and made the family feel at home,
even though they were actually miles away.
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 3
Renovation Update
P
hase 2 of the “Hope Away from Home” Campaign has started off very strong!
We currently have 13 of the 29 rooms named and 6 of the 29 furnished. We have
started moving forward with the planning of the construction project.
As with any aging House, more updates have been discovered when opening up walls.
Our 28 year old main House also has outdated HVAC systems. This was a piece of the
campaign that was not budgeted for, but we are continuing to move forward with the
assistance from local vendors who are helping guide the way for the next steps.
Thank you to the following donors for their generous support of the Campaign:
Confirmed Room Namings:
Confirmed Room Furnishings:
Geraldine Kilsdonk (1)
Mott Golf Classic (6)
The Carls Foundation (4)
Buhr Foundation (1)
Peyser Foundation for
Population Health (1)
Mike & Debbie Tirico (2)
Jamie McMurray (1)
David & Katie Andrea (1)
Meister Family (1)
Peyser Foundation for
Population Health (1)
Thank you to all the companies who have donated their time to help with the renovation planning:
Mary Therese Beekley – M.T. Designs
Mike Engle – Kasco Construction
Aric Wilcox – Kasco Construction
Joe Fontanesi – Fontanesi & Kahn
John Richards – MA Engineering
Salim Sessine - MA Engineering
Collect. Give. Hope.
Got change?
Family Update
Kaylie “Our Miracle Baby”
Kaylie Kapperman’s story touched so many people.
Since her feature story in last Fall’s newsletter, Kaylie has
made significant progress and has been staying at the
Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor with Mom
Ashley and Grandma Candy, while receiving dialysis
4 times a week on an outpatient basis.
Coin upon coin lying around your
house? Take it to a Coinstar machine
and turn it into a donation to the
Ronald McDonald Houses of
Ann Arbor.
Coin by coin, you are helping
children in your own community.
The hospital began testing for a kidney match earlier
this year. They are anticipating that Kaylie will have
her kidney transplant in December as they are waiting
for her to maintain the correct weight and be fully
off dialysis.
Since Kaylie was born, the Ronald McDonald House of
Ann Arbor has been the only home she has known.
She celebrated her 1st Birthday with us back in March and is growing
into a vibrant, funny little girl. Her family arrived in Ann Arbor March of 2012 and have
been guests of ours for 18 months.
For Kaylie’s entire story, please visit our website at www.rmh-annarbor.org
Donate a vehicle today.
Help families in need.
For more information, please visit
https://www.OneCarHelpsrmhc.com
3
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 4
Special Events
Pop Tab Battle
3rd Annual Pop Tab Battle
Third times a charm! The Ronald
McDonald Houses of Ann Arbor
and the Ronald McDonald House
of Columbus, Ohio will again go
head to head and continue the
legendary rivalry with pop tab
collections. Last year we had a
much closer race and only hope
this year we can beat Ohio,
both on the field and in pop tab
donations!
The contest runs September 1st –
November 30th with Coca-Cola
granting a $1,000 donation to the
House that collects the most tabs
by weight! Please bring your pop
tabs to one of our Ann Arbor
Houses! Go Blue!
Brian “Bubba” Cowan, Melissa Bauernfeind, Kim Kelly, Sean
Carleton, Al & Rosie Fellhauer, Jeff & Lisa Fellhauer, Loree Collett
Ronald, Kathy Baum and Mike Wyderko
“Day For The Families” Radio-thon
September 26th marked the 4th Annual W4 Country
Radio and Ronald McDonald Houses of Ann Arbor
Radio-thon. This year’s event took on a new format,
broadcasting for ONE day only for 13 straight hours.
Brian “Bubba” Cowan traveled to three local McDonald
locations to help raise significant money for the Houses.
2013 Radio-thon Sponsors:
Power Hour Sponsors
Taylor Freezer of Michigan
Varsity Ford Ann Arbor
Sam’s Club
Dr. Pepper
Family Sponsors
Valassis
Bank of Ann Arbor
C. F. Burger Creamery
With the help from local community partners and
businesses we raised significant funds all of which will
support the day to day operational expenses at both Houses. We are very grateful for our
partnership with McDonald’s Corporate and Owner-Operators Al & Rosie Fellhauer and William
Pickard for allowing us to take over their restaurants for a day to increase awareness of our
important mission.
Save The Date
May 3, 2014
Girls & Pearls
Let Us Know You Like Us
“Like” us on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/RMH Ann Arbor)
and you’ll be updated about our
upcoming special events, unique
and fun volunteer opportunities
and happenings around the House!
Please save the date for our 1st Annual Ladies Tea
on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 2-4 pm at the City Club
in Ann Arbor. Enjoy an afternoon of mingling with a
silent auction.
We will be honoring the special Moms that stay at
Ronald McDonald Houses and more importantly,
all the special women in your life.
Tickets are limited.
4
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 5
Special Events
McDonald’s Owner/Operators Al & Rosie
Fellhauer and Dave & Elaine Perry with
Jamie McMurray
M&M Memorial Golf Outing
This year marked the 20th Annual M&M Memorial Golf Outing. The outing, held in memory
of Megan Holbrooke and Melissa Ruppel, is an annual project of their parents, Tim Holbrook,
Karen Holbrook, Fred and Linda Ruppel and surviving sister Jesse Ruppel with the support
of their families and friends. Since 1994 it has raised more than $200,000 to support our
programs.This year’s event had more than 288 golfers and raised over $16,000 for the
Ronald McDonald Houses of Ann Arbor.
Thank you to the Holbrook’s and Ruppel’s for their dedicated support for so many years!
Thank you Third Party Events
NASCAR Visit
Jamie McMurray, NASCAR Driver
for the McDonald’s sponsored car,
visited our Houses on June 13
making a generous donation to
Phase 2 of our Home Away From
Home Campaign. Jamie visited with
families, toured both Houses and
signed autographs for local fans.
Thank you for all the support we have received this year from Third Party Events! Through the
thoughtfulness and generosity of community members, significant support and awareness has
been raised because of these outside events.
Birmingham Pembrooke Elementary
Birmingham Greenfield Elementary
Boys Scouts of America, Troop 468
Buffalo Wild Wings, Ypsilanti
Connor Meehan Eagle Scout Project
Coval Fitness & Sports Performance
Detroit Country Day Junior School
Kuts 4 Kaylie
Manchester Middle School
Saline National Honor Society
Schuler Incorporated
Rotaract & Shipman Society
St. Michael Lutheran Church Golf Outing
University of Michigan Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
University of Michigan’s Evans Scholars
World of Beer Ann Arbor
For more information regarding Third Party Events, please visit our Website at
www.rmh-annarbor.org and click on the “ways you can help” tab.
McBiker
Red Shoe Crew
Attention all University of Michigan Students!
Are you looking for a great organization to volunteer
with but do not have time for a regularly scheduled shift?
The Red Shoe Crew might be the answer for you!
The Red Shoe Crew is a student-lead organization affiliated with the Ronald McDonald
Houses of Ann Arbor. The Crew works directly with the Houses assisting with events and
fundraising activities. They work hard to raise awareness for the Ronald McDonald Houses
of Ann Arbor in the greater Ann Arbor area.
If you would like more information, please contact Michael Wyderko,
RSC President at [email protected].
This year, over 250 bikers gathered
on July 21st to support the 15th
Annual McBiker Children’s Day Rally,
a motorcycle poker run raising
money for the Ronald McDonald
Houses in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Hosted by Peter and Nancy
Donaghue, this event raised over
$13,500 for the Houses.
Thank you to the Donaghue’s for
their dedication and support of
the Houses!
5
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 6
Ways YOU can help
A Generous Gift in Honor of Ernestina Parravano
Ernestina Parravano….continuing the legacy
• DONATE! It costs about $75 to house a family for one
night. The suggested family donation is $10 per night.
You can help offset the difference! Make a secure online
donation on our website or mail your donation to us.
• 3RD PARTY EVENTS!
We are honored to be the beneficiary of events
organized by individuals, local organizations, schools
and businesses. Events range from bake sales and car
washes to golf tournaments and comedy nights.
Please visit our website for tips and guidelines.
• COOK A DINNER! Help alleviate the stress for our
families and cook a dinner at our Ann Arbor House.
Dinner preparation includes planning the menu,
shopping for food, preparing and serving the dinner
at the House and clean up. Guidelines can be found
on our website.
• COLLECT POP TABS! Bring your collection of aluminum
pop tabs to our House and we will recycle them for
cash to help keep our services available to families
who need them.
• DONATE ITEMS FROM OUR
WISHLIST! We always have
a list of items that are most
needed on our website,
as well as page 7 of this
newsletter. These items go
a long way toward making
our families more comfortable
and alleviating their stress.
• RED SHOE CREW! For our
Ella, former Patient and
college students, consider
Grandma Linda dropping
joining our Red Shoe Crew,
off a check and wish list
a student organization
donation.
from the University of
Michigan and help with fundraising events and
dedication to supporting the Houses.
For more information, visit www.rmh-annarbor.org
Ernestina Parravano, known to many as “Grandma Tina” had an endless
passion for helping patients and families in need. This passion will continue
through a generous donation from her family to the Ronald McDonald
Houses of Ann Arbor.
Ernestina began volunteering at the University of Michigan in 1977 at the
Kellogg Eye Center. Her passion for volunteering and helping others led her
soon after to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital where she spent 30 years providing comfort, love and warmth to the children and families she encountered.
She was honored by many for her volunteer work and establishment of
community organizations.
The Parravano Family is pleased to announce that through a generous gift,
“Grandma Tina’s” legacy will continue by supporting the Ronald McDonald
Houses of Ann Arbor. The intention is that the money will continue to assist
patients and families that stay at one of our Houses. This gift brings together
the principles and values that Ernestina and the Ronald McDonald Houses
have in common in their mission of providing care and comfort.
Here at the Ronald McDonald Houses, we will continue her wonderful legacy
by continuing to designate donations in honor of Ernestina Parravano. If you
would like to make a donation in honor of Grandma Tina, please send them
to 1600 Washington Heights Ann Arbor, MI 48104 and choose to honor
Ernestina for the love and joy that still glows in the hearts of her “children.”
Amy Parravano-Drummond, continues Grandma Tina’s legacy as weekend
manager at our Ronald McDonald House within C.S. Mott Children’s
Hospital, providing our families with compassion in their time of need.
Thank You ImageFIRST!
Thank you to the Teddy Bear Lady, Wileata Hoyer,
whose handmade bears are always a huge hit!
6
Since June, ImageFIRST Healthcare
Laundry Specialists has been
donating linen services to the
Ann Arbor House. By providing high-quality linens and friendly service,
ImageFIRST has not only been making the families stay a little more comfortable, but also lightened the workload for our volunteers who support the
daily operational activities at the House. ImageFIRST has also coordinated a
donation for 120 blankets to the House. It is through partnerships like these,
that we are able to continue to provide the comfortable environment our
families can come home to.
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 7
thank
you!
Volunteer Spotlight
Welcome To Our New Board Members
(Bold items are needed the most)
Sheri Belcher-Tribble
Brian Cowan
Molly Dwyer-White
Benjamin Rodgers
Davang Shah
Thank you to the volunteers who give extra time and support
by serving on one of our House Committees
House Operations
Committee:
Ginny Bareham
Sherri Belcher-Tribble
Jenny Carpenter
Michaelene Farrell
Jesse Gutierrez
Mariel Peck
Dave Perry
David Warren
Finance Committee:
Mark Bauernfeind
Rosie Fellhauer
Gail Franklin
Martha King
Doug Mervis
Mark Slade
Debbie Stefforia
Development
Committee:
Kathy Baum
Sean Carleton
Loree Collett
Emily Deedler
Elissa Gaies
Laura Naddy
Ryan Noel
Allison Paciorka
Benjamin Rodgers
Davang Shah
Mike Wyderko
Thank you to all our volunteers for their
dedication of service to our Houses
Rita Augustyn
Cindy Baker
William Baker
Beth Baron
Barbara Beck
Anna Beeman
Gwyn Belcher
Sheri Belcher
Ge Bian
Kathryn Boyd
Mary Cady
Chloe Campbell
Jenny Carpenter
Patricia Chapman
Jackie Creager
Katherine Donaldson
Kevin Durand
Kay Elder
Jill Esau
Randy Evans
Jane Evans
Emily Farber
Michaelene Farrell
Rosemary Farrell
Joseph Filek
Lucinda Fleckenstein
Wish List!
Jesse Gutierrez
Elise Hall
Charlene Hancock
Matt Hartigan
Sara Hickey
Dawn Holmes
Barb Hrinik
Linda Jeffries
Judy Kaplan
Tyler Kleaveland
Patricia Kovach
Katie Kyndely
David Laczynski
Maria Lepore
Joshua Linton
Kate Lypen
Margaret McCloskey
Marilyn McDermott
Catchy McDowell
Ann Merkel
Liz Messiter
Christine Murray
Jennifer Myers
Laura Naddy
Phuong-Cat Ngo
Courtney Nicholls
Michael Noeske
Ellen-Mary Nora
Allison Paciorka
Mariel Peck
Cathy Plawecki
Chris Plawecki
Stephanie Rakestraw
Steve Rogers
Elizabeth Sandmaier
Anjali Saripalli
Kathleen Schorin
Daniel Schrage
Janet Shatusky
Kelly Sieter
Sharon Swinton
Allison Sylvia
Karen Tasch
Betty Tecco
Peggy Thomas
Eric Tindall
Nancy Valine
Nancy Ventimiglia
Janet Werhnyak
Marissa Wolfe
Katherine Wolney
Deanne Woodruff
Michael Wyderko
Mary Yoder
• Single-serving microwavable pasta or soup
• Microwavable bowls (not Styrofoam)
• Breakfast/granola bars
• Pop Tarts
• Single-serving cereals
• Coffee creamer
• Dishwasher detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Paper towels
• Dinner napkins
• Individually-packaged snack foods
(chips, pretzels, crackers, etc.)
• Microwavable popcorn – full size bags
• Vinyl gloves
• Clorox wipes
• Journals
• Styrofoam carryout containers
• Pop-up Post-it notes
• Masking tape
• Twin and full size mattress pads
• Pillows
• White pillowcases
• Kleenex
• Travel size toiletries (toothbrush,
toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant)
• Target gift cards
• Gas cards
• Family-oriented DVD’s (no VHS)
• Xbox 360 games (E-rated) and controllers
• Stainless steel cleaner
• Shark Vacuums – upright, bagless
• Resolve rug cleaner
• Swiffer wet cloth refills
For infection control and the safety of our guest families, we are not
able to accept USED or PREVIOUSLY OWNED ITEMS. This includes
books, clothing, puzzles, toys or stuffed animals. This also includes
stuffed animals that have not been played with but have been on
display or on shelves in a home (example: Beanie Baby collections).
7
FALL.News.start_Layout 1 10/1/13 10:35 AM Page 8
NON PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ANN ARBOR, MI
PERMIT NO. 299
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
OF THE HURON VALLEY
1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
www.rmh-annarbor.org
2nd annual
The
RedAffairShoe
8
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, February 8th, 2014
at Michigan Stadium