Our Story
Our daughter Joanna spent two weeks in the PICU at the University of Maryland Medical Center with a rare and unforeseen autoimmune reaction, ADEM. Seeing our 4-year-old suddenly lose most major functions and barely able to communicate was heartbreaking.
After Joanna’s discharge, I connected with another RMHC chapter and committed to fundraising for the Dopey Challenge. Around mile 21 of the marathon, a runner noticed my Ronald McDonald-themed outfit with “RUN4JOANNA.org” and asked about my cause. Despite my exhaustion, I remembered my daughter in her hospital bed—unable to move or walk, let alone run. I shared part of our journey with him, as I have countless times over the past year.
The support we’ve received from both loved ones and strangers has been incredible. Some of the most inspiring moments have been hearing how many families have been touched by the blessing of Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide.
Why I Run for RMHC
I have felt the pain of running a marathon almost 30 times. We have also experienced the pain of the unknown, uncertainty, and unpredictability during our daughter’s stay in the PICU. We know the feelings that hundreds and thousands of families served by Ronald McDonald House of Maryland experience every year. There is no comparison between these two types of pain, but if I can run another marathon and endure slight discomfort in honor and support of RMHC, then that’s my new annual goal.
The Baltimore Marathon will be my second effort at joining Team RMHC to raise funds to support families like ours, who are going through devastating medical treatments for their children in the hospital. Completely funded by donations and people like you, we come together to partner with this charity so families like ours may have a place to stay—a place of comfort and peace—during difficult times.
2025 Goal:
For my 2025 effort, I hope to rally my community to surpass my 2024 goal of $2,000. Raising more than $2,000 for our local charity during our hometown marathon would be an incredible honor. Thank you!