I would like to share my experience with you and everyone else who is involved in managing and volunteering at the Ronald House. I was pregnant with my first child, and found out at my 18 week sonogram that my son had a very serious heart condition. Severe blockage of the aorta, and double outlet right ventricle with VSD. It was then that they sent me over to Strong Memorial Hospital to be cared for and was then considered "high risk". They explained to me that my son would need heart surgery in order to survive. An amazingly friendly social worker set me up with a room at the Ronald House on Westmoreland. February 9th, 2011, I gave birth to this amazingly beautiful little boy Liam. Seven pounds, 6 ounces and absolutely perfect. As soon as I was discharged my son needed to stay in the NICU until his surgery at only five days old—Valentine's Day. As a new mom this was VERY troubling; I had so many emotions I didn't know how to handle them. The Ronald House welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. I live in Waterloo which is about an hour away. With a roof over my head, food, activities, friendly people, entertainment, laundry accessibility and many other necessities, it made my traumatic experience that much easier to deal with. It was very comforting also knowing and seeing other families that were going through similar situations. I was able to stay as long as I needed, which I believe was until March 8th. I was never questioned about payment, pushed to leave, or judged in anyway. Even thought I didn't spend much time at the house, it was very comforting knowing I had a place to go when I needed the rest. My husband went back to work soon after Liam was born, but came on the weekends and also stayed with me at the Ronald House. He says it was such a nice place filled with very respectable people. We even made a few friends along the way. Liam was finally discharged March 8th, weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces and as happy as can be. The downside is that he still needs another major surgery. Once Liam reaches about six months of age he will have open heart bypass surgery to fix the VSD. I will be returning to the Ronald House and look forward to seeing everyone again. He is my strong little boy, and this whole experience has made me that much stronger. I would really like to say THANK YOU to the Ronald House for all the help, support and love that you have given me and all other families during the hardest times in our lives. I will forever donate to the Ronald House, and my family will as well. We are ALL thankful for what you do.
See you again soon!
Ashley Arndt
Steven Arndt
Liam Arndt