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What We Do 
The Waybright Family
Their first thought was, how are we going to afford to stay in Fresno? Madera is 120 miles from their house in Bakersfield. Even if they found an affordable motel, it would still be a drive to the hospital and David had to be there for the surgery at 5:00 am!
They remembered seeing the signs for the Ronald McDonald House as they entered the hospital campus on their many visits, but never gave it a second thought. This time, it was their first thought. They contacted everyone I could think of in Madera, using the Ronald McDonald House website. Nikki, the house manager for the Ronald McDonald House called back and put the family in touch with one of the hospital social workers, who got them on the list for a room at RMH. When the house called the Waybright's to tell them they could come up the night before surgery, they were relieved. One less worry.
When they checked in, Amber Waybright (David's mother) remembers the entire staff as being welcoming and happy to help them with any need. They were shown their room, taken on a tour of the home, and offered dinner (provided by Jon Anabo, a volunteer that has cooked a warm meal every Monday for the past ten years). Amber and her husband remember being shocked that the house only asked for a $15 donation per evening stay! As they settled in for the evening, the family found comfort in knowing that they were just a short walk away from the hospital where David would be undergoing surgery the next morning.
"We continue to feel blessed to be a part of the Ronald McDonald House of the Central Valley. What began as just a few days, turned into an 8 night stay. On April 20, we were fortunate enough to return the favor as we prepared dinner for the families on site. It was just a small gesture in comparison to what the staff provides to the families," relayed Amber.
Amber remains thankful for the experience, "Many people go through their life thinking that they will never need services. It won’t happen to me. In a way, I’m glad it happened to us. It has made us more aware of the services provided by the house. We got daily showers, queen beds to sleep in, a fully stocked kitchen to use, and a place to relax, but mostly, we got peace of mind knowing that one of us would be able to be with David, while the other rested."
She wants to pose a challenge to you all to take the time to either volunteer at the house, or donate in someway. Everything counts: from an extra package of toilet paper or laundry soap to offering to provide a meal or clean the common area. There is something that you can do and it will be appreciated. If not just by the staff, but by the thousands of families that call the RMH home.
The Beckett Family
Carson Beckett and his family have been regulars at the Ronald McDonald House the last three years, but on Tuesday (August 25th) when they stopped by it wasn’t to check into our house, it was to bring donations. The Beckett Family is truly a pillar of strength. Carson, now 11, has been battling cancer for six years. Looking at Carson, you would never know he has had to go through numerous treatments and lengthy Chemotherapy sessions; he looks like a carefree boy who loves video games and his friends. The Beckett’s have been visiting Children’s Hospital for six years on a monthly basis; it was three years ago that they began staying at the Ronald McDonald House. The drive from Bakersfield was beginning to take its toil on the Family so they decided to check in to one of the rooms in our house.
“It was so nice to be here with families going through something similar, you never think that you will need a place like this, until you do,” said Alicia Beckett, Carson’s mother. On one trip home from the mountains, Carson got very sick and they had to make a detour to Children’s Hospital. “We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House that time and literally had nothing with us, you had everything. Laundry detergent, home-cooked meals, shampoo, everything.”
The Beckett Family recently moved from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo, but still makes the six hour drive to visit Children’s Hospital every so often for doctors appointments. On their particular visit on the 25th they came to drop off toiletries for our families. “We try to do all we can because we know how important the Ronald McDonald House was for us,” said Alicia.
Everyone has a story. And this holds especially true for all of you connected to RMHC. You have high points and low times. You have setbacks and rallying spirits. You have tales of inspiration and stories of encouragement. The Beckett Family’s Story is one that inspires, encourages, and brings hope.
