01 Sep Jamesse Webb Provides Compassion, Place of Peace Through Ronald McDonald Family Room

For three years, our Ronald McDonald Family Room has provided a sanctuary for 92,827 families whose children are being treated at the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorder Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta — Scottish Rite. Each day, our Family Room coordinator, Jamesse Webb ensures they are cared for.

“When parents begin this journey, it is not by choice. However, they quickly put their fears aside and put one foot in front of the other,” Jamesse says. “Each day I am here, I am inspired by the joy in the hearts of the patients, as well as the strength in the eyes of their caregivers.”

Jamesse has been the Family Room coordinator for two years and prior to that she was part of the Ronald McDonald House managers team.

“While serving at the House, I was able to meet several patients and families in need of support,” Jamesse says. “Working in the Family Room has introduced me to volunteers who ordinarily would not have had an opportunity to see just what hospitality they provide to so many families.”

One family in particular made an impact on Jamesse shortly after she joined the Family Room. “I immediately knew the support that only a “mother hen” could provide was required,” she said of the family with the 3-month-old patient.

“I welcomed Mom and Dad into our Family Room, and introduced them to what became the one thing they could rely on in the storm — a place to escape, relaxing music, a friend to talk with or cry to, and in their words, ‘the best cup of coffee they ever tasted!’”

“This family changed my life more than I could ever express,” she said. “When I see the little guy, he is walking and talking it makes me grateful I was chosen to be a stop on the journey.”

Since March, the Family Room has adopted new procedures to reflect our new way of caring for families during COVID-19. What has not changed is Jamesse’s commitment to our families.

“While COVID-19 has changed many things, I refuse to allow the level of care, compassion, or service to change,” she says. Things may look a little different, but we must ensure our values hold true yesterday, today and every day going forward.

“Just as each patient is a gift to their parents, the opportunity to join this journey is a special gift I do not take lightly,” Jamesse says.