Reviewed by: Patience Itson
RMHCA serves local sick children + their families—how to help
Reading time: 4 minutes
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When Garrett and Destiny Ledbetter’s daughter Maggie was diagnosed with a threatening respiratory illness, their family had to quickly adjust to life in and out of the hospital.
With help from the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham and fundraisers like Round-Up for RMHC at McDonald’s, life for this family was made a little easier. Here’s their story and how you can help other families with sick children across Alabama.
Meet the Ledbetters from Jemison, Alabama
Soon after their daughter Maggie was born with CLE (congenital lobar emphysema), Garrett and Destiny Ledbetter were transported to UAB Hospital. Residents of Jemison, Alabama, the family quickly had to adjust to hospital life as well as a new city.
“We found out my daughter had what’s known as CLE, which is emphysema in utero.
Since she wasn’t able to breathe on her own, we had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks to figure out the best course of action.”
Destiny Wallace Ledbetter
While awaiting Maggie’s lung surgery, Garrett and Destiny camped out at UAB for several months before eventually being transferred to Children’s Hospital where the surgery would take place.
A social worker at the hospital let them know about RMHCA and Garrett and Destiny eventually made their temporary home at the Ronald McDonald House.
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How RMHCA makes a difference for guest families
When faced with unexpected health challenges of a child, it can be a lonely time for families. This is where Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) steps in to support families like the Ledbetters during the roughest of times.
“It was a chaotic and hectic time. If it weren’t for Ronald McDonald House, I don’t think I would have gotten through it.
Not only because they gave us a place to stay, but because the people there would sit and listen to me and understood what we were going through.”
Destiny Wallace Ledbetter
Round-Up for RMHC creates smiles at McDonald’s + RMHCA
For 45 years, RMHCA has made it their mission to keep families together when they have a sick child. To do this, they need some help—$3.5 million, in fact. How do they raise these funds? I’m glad you asked.
RMHCA does not receive state or federal funding—the majority of funds come from other organizations, support from events or individuals donating (like you and I)! In 2023, $1.3 million was raised through the Round-Up for RMHC fundraiser alone.
McDonald’s, the founding and forever mission partner, is RMHCA’s top donor. McDonald’s can help at this level thanks to the support of their customers and the local owners and operators.
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Say “yes” to rounding up your order
Each time you go through a McDonald’s drive-thru and say “Yes” to rounding up your order to the nearest dollar, the funds go to your local Ronald McDonald House. This small change adds up to make a big impact!
The restaurant crew has pride in what they do to support local families—like the Ledbetters—that might need the Ronald McDonald House someday.
Here are the McDonald’s crews around the state who are leading the way in Round-Up for RMHC:
- Oxford/Anniston area
- Chelsea
- Boaz
- Dothan
- Enterprise
- Gadsden
Round-Up for RMHC is a sign of love
It takes a village to operate the Ronald McDonald House. Last year, the House hosted over 1,700 families for a total of 19,152 combined nights.
“Round-Up for RMHC at McDonald’s is a sign of love. Love from the crew at McDonald’s, love from the community, love for the families that have stayed, are staying or could need RMHCA in the future.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama
Give love to Alabama families today + every day— Round-Up for RMHC the next time you go through McDonald’s.
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