Thank you for visiting my donation page for the 2019 Wear Your Stripes #forRMHCC!  

I guess you could say I have been wearing my stripes my entire life for the Ronald McDonald House and didn’t even realize it…

When I was born I had several complications and spent my first weeks of life in the NICU. Luckily my family lived close by so my parents did not need to stay at the local RMH. My mom got to know other mothers who had babies in the NICU and were staying at RMH. She remembers how grateful other mothers were for this organization. My mom would rock me in the NICU along with the other NICU mothers. If the moms staying at the RMH had to go back home for job requirements or to see their other children my mom and the other NICU moms would take turns rocking their babies. 

My first trip to an RMH was in 4th grade in Birmingham, AL when my Girl Scout troop delivered pop tabs. Walking into this House truly felt like home. I was amazed at everything they do to support families: provide meals, laundry access, a place to sleep, shower and more. This visit was the first time when I realized I could make a difference- no matter how big or small.

During my freshman year at Winthrop University, I joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Through recruitment, I learned ADPi’s philanthropy is the Ronald McDonald House. Because of this, and other factors, I felt at home with ADPi. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the local RMH and help spread awareness around campus about this organization.

For two summers I interned at the RMH of the Carolinas here in Greenville, SC. Through my experience, I began to really see firsthand the impact the House makes on families. Families come all around the US and the world to visit our local hospital systems for treatments. Having a place for them to stay that is close to the hospital and eliminates worry about the day-to-day necessities allows them to focus all energy on their family. Through my internship experience, I was so impressed with the staff and volunteers who work hard to help these families. I graduated with a degree in marketing and a desire to raise awareness and funds for families and children in need. 

I was fortunate to begin working with a wonderful group in Greenville that focused on the well-being of children and helping families become strong. In September 2018 I came home to RMHCC. It has been an amazing experience working as the Events and Social Media Coordinator for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas. Because of my long history with the House and as a current staff member, I am blessed with the opportunity of meeting the families who are affected by the House's mission.

I Wear My Stripes for RMHCC because I have been given an opportunity every single day to be a voice for families in need. This is not just a house. It is a home filled with love, hope, and compassion that directly improves the health and well-being of hospitalized children and their families. 

I Wear My Stripes for RMHCC because I want families to not worry about the everyday life necessities (having access to do laundry, figuring out what to make for dinner, finding time to go home and shower). All of this worry and energy can be focused on the health of their family.

I Wear My Stripes for RMHCC because family is very important to me. They are my rock, support system, and I can always count on them. I want families that have a sick or injured child to be able to stay close and hold on to each other during a difficult time. When families are surrounded by one another and they are together, it helps with the child’s recovery.   

At the Ronald McDonald House, the goal is to provide a home away from home for families who have a child in the hospital. RMH is a place of comfort, hope, and love for these families who are experiencing something they couldn’t prepare for. Every time I step into an RMH, I feel at home. It feels like a family. I feel supported, I feel the passion, and I’m surrounded by love.  I feel like myself. I think that's why I’ve always been drawn to RMH. Yes, the mission of keeping families close together and near the care is needed. Yes, the existence of RMH is important because it allows families to focus on their child and family while not having to worry about the everyday busy routine. And Yes, the Ronald McDonald House gives families the opportunity to form a community with other families who are going through similar situations. But for me, the Ronald McDonald House has become my saving grace. It shaped me to become the person I am today. Without my 4th grade experience, without ADPi, or without my internships; I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now I am actually doing something that I love every day and it never feels like work.

I Wear My Stripes for RMHCC because this Home has transformed my life and the lives of 13,000 other families who have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas.

Your donation keeps families close and provides a home-away-from-home. I hope you will support me and my passion for RMHC of the Carolinas.