The House that Love Built
Critically ill children from all over the world come to the area to receive the best healthcare possible. At the same time many of these families need something else – a home away from home. The Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville, also known as the “house that love built,” has provided a home-like environment and support care system to families since 1982.
For one Kissimmee family, it was a vital part of seven-year-old Melissa Santana’s healing process. After Melissa’s heart transplant in December of 2006, her family has stayed at the House seven times for a total of 113 days since February of this year.
Her grandmother, Juanita Resto said they share a deep love for the House, and they refer to people there as family. For them, it offered a place to share experiences, as well as emotional support during a highly stressful time in their lives.
“These people are my family. They do things for me that no one else has ever done before,’’ said Juanita Resto. “They helped me with everything I needed, from transportation to love and much caring.’’ Evangeline Mendez stayed with her daughter throughout the transplant period and during subsequent leukemia treatments, after which she had to return to her job and care for other daughters Dairie, 12, and Christina, 8. That is when Grandma Juanita stayed in Gainesville with Melissa. A native of Puerto Rico, the family moved to Orlando after Melissa was diagnosed with an acute form of leukemia at age four and one-half. The heart transplant became necessary after chemotherapy damaged her heart. Melissa is in good condition back at their home now, according to her grandmother.
The Gainesville House has 30 bedrooms, each with a private bath. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald House Family Room is located adjacent to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Shands Children’s Hospital. It provides support and serves as a retreat area for families who cannot leave the hospital due to the fragile condition of their children, and families, local or out of town visitors, not staying overnight at the House, are welcome.
The third Ronald McDonald House to open in Florida, the Gainesville location has been a temporary home to 26,000 families from 67 counties, 46 states and 34 foreign countries. The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974 due to the efforts of former Philadelphia Eagle Fred Hill and his wife whose three year- old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. They decided to name it after Ronald because he represented fun, happiness and trust for children. Although licensed to use the name McDonald’s, the Gainesville House is an independent 501 and must raise 100 percent of operating expenses, capital improvements and facility expansions. The House relies on gifts, businesses and individuals. All donations remain at the local House.
Even though their medical stories are unique, a common bond these families share is the love and support of Gainesville’s Ronald McDonald House.
“It is a very good place,’’ Juanita said. “I saw people come back for two, three and four times. If they keep coming back, this says something about this very special place.”