Love Letters from our Families
The Ronald McDonald House is not just a place to stay, but a place to heal and recover.
These are Love Letters we have received from RMHC SWFL guest families.
“Our experience in the house was simply incredible. It has been a blessing for our family. The house is cozy, with a beautiful atmosphere and attention to every detail. For Joaquin, it has been a privilege to have this support and to focus on his therapies; it has made an important difference in his development. The staff, besides being professional, are truly special and have an extraordinary sense of service. We are grateful for and amazed by all the volunteers who give their time every day and do it with so much love. We would like to give a special shout-out to Illeny, Christine, Karen, and Nirupa for their special attention. This time, we have especially taken Bianca into our hearts, a joyful, loving young volunteer.” -The Contreras Family
“On July 7th, 2025, our baby girl was born 2 months ahead of schedule, and our NICU life began at Golisano. Baby and I were separated for 5 days in different hospitals, so Dad stayed with the baby as I requested. Our NICU life was not ideal, but the love and support our nurses gave us was phenomenal. Our social worker suggested we apply for the Ronald McDonald House. I felt we weren’t worthy of staying there because our daughter was achieving her milestones. The social worker reassured me, and we were put on the waiting list. We stayed at the hospital every night except once a week, to reload on clothes, and I felt my heart ripping from my chest the further away we were from the hospital. Close to the end of our NICU stay, they moved us to a room where there was no sofa, only two chairs. My heart sank. The social worker called me the next day and informed us that the Ronald McDonald House was available, which was perfect timing. I immediately called my husband and told him. When I tell you that from the moment I stepped foot in the door, I felt the love and presence from complete strangers. They made me feel at home right away. When my husband joined me after work, he felt the same way. It was like we all knew each other. It was warm and inviting. We stayed for 12 days, and in that time, we made friends for a lifetime. My husband and I cannot begin to say how grateful and blessed we are for the Ronald McDonald House and the beautiful souls who run it! When we thought we were going to be able to bring our girl home, they cheered for us and warned us just in case. Luckily, they did, because she had bradycardia and they had to keep her for another 72 hours. When that day came they were excited for us again. We came back to the Ronald McDonald House with our sweet girl and the excitement we were greeted with was as equal to when our families found out we were coming home. We plan to visit in the future and volunteer our time some how. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for not only such an amazing place but for the amazing, beautiful, and wonderful people that are there!”- Elisenda Roberson
“I want to say that I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, where my children and I were treated like family. The staff was amazing! They made our stay so comfortable. There was always someone willing to offer help, a simple hug, or some encouraging words. Blessed to have been given this opportunity during my son’s treatments at Golisano. From the time we checked in to the time we checked out, they made everything so easy for me. Thank you, Ronald McDonald House, for taking care of my boys and me during this difficult time in our lives.” -Nancy Castaneda
“Elena, 9 years old, has taken a big step in her recovery. Elena has an undescribed type of cerebral palsy and recently underwent surgery that required a new therapy to increase her muscle tone. That’s when we contacted Neurowerks. Thanks to the unconditional support of RMHC SWFL, we had the opportunity to stay and receive the therapy that Elena so needed. Today, I can proudly say that Elena has managed to walk with her new cane after arriving in a wheelchair. We are eternally grateful to RMHC SWFL for making this breakthrough in Elena’s recovery possible, as we traveled from Chile to receive this intensive therapy. Your unconditional support has been fundamental in this process, and we are full of gratitude. Thank you for being part of this incredible story of improvement!” -The Rysselberghe Family
“Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for your generosity in providing a home away from home for me and my son, Fred, during these past four weeks. Your kindness, warmth, and support have been a blessing beyond measure. It has meant the world to us to stay in such a caring and loving environment while Fred continues to thrive and work toward his goals. Fred’s journey from being a premature baby to the joyful, healthy young boy he is today has been full of challenges and triumphs, and sharing our story with you all has been a heartfelt reminder of how far we’ve come. Your house was not just a place to stay but a sanctuary that helped us focus on Fred’s progress while feeling truly at home. A special thank you to Karen, Illeny, and Christine for making us feel so loved and welcomed. Your constant support, warm smiles, and caring hearts made this experience even more meaningful. We will forever cherish the love and generosity you’ve shown us. With deep appreciation and love, Isabela and Fred.”
“The Ronald McDonald House took care of us in such a great way when we came to Fort Myers to adopt our daughter and during her time in the NICU. We can’t sing the praises enough of this House and staff! We just want to say, ‘thank you’ from the bottom of our hearts.” Andy and Karen Isabell
“My kids were able to eat and read in the morning. I was able to create a routine while going to the hospital. The other twin was in Miami. We struggled. But RMCH was our rock. I can never forget. And I remind my kids all the time of their home away from home. Thank you for all that you do.” -Ruth Morency
“We are very grateful to God and the house of Ronald McDonald for allowing us the privilege and blessing of being united, my husband, my son and I and at the same time so close to the Hospital where our baby is, which makes things much easier. It is a beautiful place, full of love, generosity, kindness, and we really feel accompanied by a large family that has been the staff members of the house for all this time. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you very much, may God continue to bless you more and more.” -Angie Camacho
“Thank you, Ronald McDonald House Team, for going above and beyond making us feel home away from home since the day we walked through your doors. You all made us always feel welcome. We are amazed at all that you do for families in need like ours, you all have touched our heart, without you it would have been difficult to be able to attend our daughter’s intensive therapy program. Thank you for all that you do!” -The Juarez Family
“What started as a fun family beach vacation quickly turned into a scary situation when Asher started struggling to breathe. He ended up at Golisano for 2.5 weeks with severe pneumonia. We are so grateful to have been able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. It was a beautiful, comfortable place to stay while we cared for our son 1,000 miles from home.” -The Williams Family (Jacob, Caitlin and Asher)
“We stayed at RMHC when my baby daughter had surgery and it was absolutely so important to us. We were able to switch taking care of her and getting sleep since she wouldn’t go into her bed at all in the hospital- she would only be in our arms. Three solid days and nights in mommy’s arms or daddy’s arms and if we hadn’t had the option to rotate and sleep, we wouldn’t have been able to do that. RMHC is where I went to get us meals, shower, and have a meltdown when I was freaking out that my little girl couldn’t swallow and was in pain. So, these kids made a difference! They probably didn’t realize how much of a difference they were making at the time!” -Alyssa Adamson
“It was such a huge blessing for Steven and me to be so close to the hospital.” -Makayla & Steven
“When we were in a dry and weary place “the house” was an oasis for us. At first we saw it as a place to rest and clean up, but we soon learned that it was a place where love lives. The words of encouragement from staff and residents many times provided us with the strength and courage to keep moving forward. “– Billy, Harmony and Cooper Griffin (LaBelle, FL)
“It meant so much to us to be close to baby Samuel and have our little family together here!”-Lynette, Adeline and Samuel Beidler (Arcadia, FL)
“I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing organization.” – Kara, Geoff and Lucas Schiller
“Le damos gracias a dios y la familia de Ronald McDonald House por el apoyo que nos brindaron durante este tiempo que tuvimos compartiendo con ustedes” – Roberto, Ruth, and Maria Tomas
“We wouldn’t have been able to get back and forth to our daughter Kylie with ease and level heads. The whole experience of having a child and her staying in the NICU was rough. Luckily, we had you guys.” – The Yonkas
“Years ago, Uncle Jay and Aunt Barb Gerloch had a little girl, Missy and we played with her growing up. At 8 or 9 she became very ill with leukemia, so they spent a lot of time at Ronald McDonald House. Along the way there was a fundraiser that involved bowling balls and Missy got one. Unfortunately, Missy would go to heaven to take a very important job for God. Uncle Jay and Aunt Barb were heartbroken when Missy passed. The bowling ball was placed on their mantel on a bright yellow Peter Pan peanut butter lid. Years ago, when they had gone to join Missy in heaven, the ball was given to our family to care for and honor appropriately. For many years we struggled to find the perfect place for this ball where its significance would be appreciated. In recognition of all the amazing things you do in support of children, and the Ronald McDonald House The Gerloch and Calvin family are so pleased to make this gift to you. We know that you will out it in a place of honor!” – Linda Morrow
“In 1982 my son had an accident and was in the hospital for six weeks. We were able to live at the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to RMHC for the help. My son Richard is now a physician.” – Nancy Logear
“A year ago this December, my daughter developed back pain that quickly turned debilitating. We searched for a cause, and none could be found, so, in March 2023, she was diagnosed with Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome. There are no effective medications. They can only recommend physical therapy and counseling, but those are slow to take effect, and the pain comes back quickly if the child can achieve remission at all.
After research and mom-sourcing, I found Scrambler Therapy, with the top doctor in it being in Bonita Springs, FL. I knew immediately this was our only choice for letting my child live with less pain. This is a treatment not covered by insurance, and it costs thousands of dollars, not to mention the travel from our home in southwest Louisiana (and care for our pets back home). We raised enough money through fundraising to cover treatment and the gas money, but I didn’t know how to cover the remaining funds needed for accommodations and food.
Dr D’Amato’s office sent our referral to you all, and on Halloween morning, I heard the most beautiful words from Karen – you are accepted. We had a room at the RMH! We arrived in November for our 2-week stay. Karen and Marvin made us feel at home immediately. We met Illeny the following day, and she showed us more of the ins and outs.
From the volunteers to the staff, everyone welcomed us and provided wonderful encouragement and love. We met another family staying, with a child undergoing the same treatment for a similar condition, and it was a God send. We were meant to be there with that family, meant to develop a lifelong friendship. The girls became fast friends, and the moms were able to bond every night. The staff allowed our girls to bake crazy things in the kitchen (we cleaned up – promise!) and let us take over the living room with puzzles and giggles. It was therapeutic in a way I can’t describe for all of us.
We have now been home for several weeks. The other family and my family remain in daily contact, and plan on visiting one another (they live in another state) soon.
My daughter came home in almost complete remission from her pain, which was remarkable. I have cried on more than one occasion, watching her do things she hasn’t been able to do – this includes giving her hugs. We can now hug our child, and you all are a part of that. There are no words to thank each of you – from the volunteers who cooked, cleaned, or rolled towels to the staff who greeted us every day. Don’t stop being who you are and doing what you do! You make a difference!
(I now recommend RMH to any families looking at Scrambler Therapy in Bonita Springs, and we seek to donate to RMH for all the help they gave us.) Thank you so much!” -Christi Jeffels
If you’ve used a Ronald McDonald House Charities program before, please click here to share your story with us. Thank you!
