Miranda Whittenton remembers when she first walked into the Ronald McDonald House. “It brought me to tears when we walked through the front door. I was overwhelmed with appreciation; it took so much stress off of us.”
Andrew was born at 25 weeks weighing only two pounds. “At the time, we thought we just had a preemie, and that Andrew would just grow and get bigger and healthier.” He was born in the hospital close to home but after not getting oxygen to his brain for some time and trouble intubating him, Andrew was quickly sent straight to Arkansas Children’s by helicopter. After some time in the NICU, the Whittentons learned that he had suffered significant brain stem damage. “It was going to be months of a journey, and we weren’t sure what to do – we were thinking about hotel options.” A social worker suggested Ronald McDonald House as an option and shortly after, the family had secured a room.
The 5-story Ronald McDonald House features 32 family suites as well as a spacious kitchen, dining room, playroom, gathering spaces, laundry rooms and outdoor play spaces. Since 1981 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana has served more than 50,000 families. With a finite focus on keeping families together and close to their critically ill child in one of Little Rock’s hospitals. All services are free to families thanks to generous donors.
The couple’s daughter turned two years old while the family was living at the Ronald McDonald House. “Emma thrived; she was so spoiled and still talks about it. She really enjoyed having everyone at the House as family.” Through Andrew’s journey, the Whittentons have now spent 325 nights at the House and realize it enabled them to be near him during a difficult time. “Andrew is very happy – ‘Andrew Strong’ is what we say. It’s what we’ve held on our hearts. He will flourish and have a life worth living.”
Each year, Chocolate Fantasy Ball generates critical funds to continue serving families. This decadent evening of delights is at full capacity. However, Share A Night and the silent auction, opening the week of the event, are additional opportunities for friends and patrons to make a meaningful contribution that funds nights for a family like Andrew’s. With a match opportunity, a Share A Night donation of $100 will provide two free nights – rather than just one night. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana CEO Janell Mason adds, “Everyone can help families during their most difficult days and nights by donating. We are endlessly grateful to everyone who helps provide a comfortable place for a family to rest so they can solely focus on their child’s care.” Learn more at ChocolateFantasyBall.com