The value of comfort, safety, and support is hard to equate to a price. At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga families can find all the amenities of their own home like a warm bed, fresh meals, and a place to do laundry. While a guest at RMHC, families get to put all their focus on what matters most- each other. We take care of all the rest, free of charge. While a price can’t summarize our impact, $150 provides a one night stay for families going through traumatic times.
When parents have a child in the hospital, the only thing they should have to focus on is the health and well being of their child. The lovely Pantanella family called RMHC home for 78 days as their daughter, Melody, grew her strength across the street.
“We had this whole expectation of what it was like to have a child and within a short amount of time that’s off the table.” says Tony, Melody’s dad. Amanda and Tony Pantanella could have never anticipated they wouldn’t be returning home as a duo from their 29 week check up. After an unexpected diagnosis, Melody arrived just a few days later via emergency c-section, weighing just one pound thirteen ounces.
“We have felt extremely helpless in this situation. But being here at the house has helped us not feel hopeless.” says Tony.
This #GivingTuesday, give back to help us move forward in providing essential services for families like the Pantanellas who have sick children in the hospital.