On October 13th, I am running the Chicago Marathon to support Ronald McDonald House Charities.  

The Ronald McDonald House Charities have directly impacted my family and we will forever be grateful. 

Many of you know that my son was born with a significant congenital heart defect that has required three open heart surgeries with more to come.  Two surgeries were in the first 14 days of his life.  My husband and I stayed a month at the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago.  To say that it was a gift to stay there would be an understatement.  If you ask my daughter, she would say that the Ronald McDonald HOTEL is her favorite place she has ever visited and she is often asking when we can go back.  In what was the most challenging time in our lives, having a place where we could stay together, have our meals taken care, and have a quiet place away from the hospital at night helped us get through.    

The Ronald McDonald House has such a special place in our family's heart.  When our family looks back on our time at the Ronald McDonald house, we are overwhelmed with gratitude.  Even though we had so many long days, hard nights and moments that have changed us forever we also have incredible memories that were made possible by the support we received from the Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

While I hope you and your family never have a need to stay at a Ronald McDonald house, I hope for you that in the hardest and darkest times you are surrounded by people who will support you, and help carry you through.  

Rebekah Kauffman 

P.S. Did you know RMHC helps millions of families each year? RMHC helps families cope better and focus on the needs of their sick child, allowing them the ability to spend more time with their child, to interact with their doctors, and to make important decisions about their child’s care.

It costs approximately $100 to give a family one night of comfort and support.  Your donation, of any amount, will not only help me achieve my goal, but will help children stay close to their families when they need it most!