Message From Our Executive Director, Deborah Levy
Dear Friends:Charlie’s story is one of thousands that remind us every day of the privilege it is to be part of the Orange County Ronald McDonald House. Charlie, Katy and Matt “met” for the first time in early March, 2005. He was a premature baby, just three pounds when he was born, frail and vulnerable, in Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
Katy and Matt Cava are a couple in northern California who had been trying to conceive for some time. Then, in 2005, they opted for adoption. They were “giddy with excitement.” However, the blessed day came much earlier than expected. Their son Charlie was more than two months premature. He was so small he could fit in the palm of your hand.
Despite the distance and Charlie’s tenuous condition, the couple wanted to be with their new son as he clung to life. It would be May before Charlie would be discharged to his new parents, just in time for Mother’s Day. During those long months, Katy and Matt came to call our Ronald McDonald House their “home away from home”. Like so many other parents, they found that this was the only place they could enjoy a little peace and comfort amid the turmoil of Charlie’s struggle to live.
We have had the good fortune to know thousands of children like Charlie, and thousands more parents like the Cavas, who are all deeply thankful for everything the Orange County Ronald McDonald House offers. Of course, this includes affordable, comfortable, private accommodations. But, it goes way beyond that to provide a safe, stress-relieving retreat that is close to their child who is receiving treatment for a very serious illness or injury at any Orange County hospital. Just as important, they find themselves in the fold of other families who are going through the same, trying time. It gives them an opportunity to open up and share with each other, which can provide as much relief, comfort and hope as they might get from a professional therapist.All that my staff and I have to offer here is due to volunteers who give willingly of their time, and the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations who donate funds. To all of you, my heartfelt thanks.
At the Orange County Ronald McDonald House, we’re reminded every single day of the comfort and even joy you help us bring to the lives of the people we serve. And each year since 2005, we’ve been especially honored as Katy and Matt bring Charlie by on their way to Disneyland to celebrate his birth, his life and their love.
Very Truly Yours,
Deborah Levy
Executive Director
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