26 Apr Caroline will never be alone
No one knows better than Stacy Woelfel that simply being with family is the best that life has to offer.
For Stacy and her four-year-old daughter Caroline, there are no quick fixes ahead. Born with a hole in her heart, Caroline’s illness has left her with underlying conditions like chronic fatigue, autonomic dysfunction, and the need for leg braces.
Due to Caroline’s ongoing conditions, she has to go to the hospital at least once a month for routine appointments. With the hospital hours away from their home, the Ronald McDonald House relieves them of the need to find and pay for somewhere to stay during these visits.
“We’re going through a lot, but we also have a lot of support.”
With nightly warm meals provided by volunteers, transportation to and from the hospital, and a strong support system of other families facing similar struggles, the House provides more than just a place to sleep for the Woelfel family.
“Caroline calls it her ‘safe place’ where she knows she won’t be poked and prodded. The staff gives her high-fives and encouragement as we head to the hospital. And then she comes back and tells them how brave she was.”
“Even when it’s hard, we take each thing as it comes – together.”
For Caroline and her family, donors like you make it possible for them to stay together.
“The Ronald McDonald House is here so we can have our base, and be with our child. It’s so important. Caroline will never be alone in this. Never.”
When asked what she would say to other moms and sick kids, Stacy replies, “Take a deep breath. You’re getting your child the help they need. You are together and that’s what’s important.”
“We stay in the present and find joy in the little things. To be together now, in this moment, is everything.”