” Ronald McDonald House was such a blessing to us while our baby Noah received life-saving treatment in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. We stayed at the house on two separate occasions while Noah underwent open-heart surgery for his complex cardiac condition. When Noah was born he was airlifted from Letterkenny to Crumlin. It was such a stressful and worrying time. You don’t really stop to think about the practicalities of being so swiftly uprooted from home to a hospital when you have such a critically ill baby.

Ronald McDonald House meant we didn’t have to worry about where we would stay and the associated financial burden. Ronald McDonald House was our home while we couldn’t be at home. The staff were so kind and supportive and it was a place where we could get some respite after long draining days in the hospital. Above everything, the House helped us to stay close together as a family. Not only were we able to be close to Noah, but our other three children were able to stay with us. That really helped to cushion the disruption to family life.

Being able to share a meal together and spend some quality time together meant so much. Our children loved the House! They loved the ice-cream fridge and the playroom. They made friends and were able to have some fun. We’re very grateful to Ronald McDonald House because they helped to limit the impact on family life for us at that time. And even through a very traumatic time, we have some lovely memories!”