How one local family found home away from home support this holiday season

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Recently, one local family required extra support through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA) after receiving unexpected news that their newborn daughter had an abnormality. Now, they’re giving back to other families just like them.

Here’s their story.

Meet the Williams’

Montgomery parents Prince and Whitney Williams were excited to welcome their second child, baby girl Parker, into the family in early November. Seven-year-old Paige was equally looking forward to becoming a big sister. 

Like most parents, they were ecstatic to cuddle their newborn in their arms. However, only a few short minutes into embracing her, hospital staff took Parker away to run tests after discovering an abnormality near her rectum which required surgery.

After a successful surgery at Children’s of Alabama for the initial health issue, Parker’s medical team expressed concern over a possible infection in her retina.

They began treatment at UAB Hospital. Hours turned into days of tests, difficult conversations with medical staff and sleepless nights.

Prince traveled back and forth between Birmingham and Montgomery to alternate time spent with his newborn and firstborn daughter, Paige.

Recognizing the strain the travel put on the family, hospital staff recommended Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama (RMHCA), which has kept over 15,000 families together in 2024 through the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama supports families in times of need

RMHCA provides comfortable living spaces for families with children experiencing lengthy hospital stays. The House offers support in the form of prepared meals, activities and play areas. It serves as a second home while children receive care.

The Williams didn’t accept the initial offer to stay at the House; thinking they could manage the hectic back-and-forth travel. However, once they decided to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they quickly realized it was the right decision.

“With my wife in Birmingham, I would go to Montgomery to be with our oldest daughter. But at the Ronald McDonald House, we could all stay together. We weren’t stretched thin between two places. It made everything a whole lot easier.”

Prince Williams

During their stay at RMHCA, the Williams family recognized the influence of the community’s generosity. They immediately began to think of ways to support the organization that did so much for them.

“As a police officer, I’m so used to running and doing for others. The staff helped us realize we needed to slow down and accept help.”

Prince Williams

Ways you can support RMHCA

The Williams family is now together at home in Montgomery, but they’ve committed to extending their connection to RMHCA in the future as donors and volunteers.

Here are ways you can do the same this holiday season:

• Make a donation
• Contribute gifts from the holiday Wish List
• Sponsor a Meal From the Heart
• Sign up for the Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K + get a head start on those fitness goals

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

If you’re looking for ways to give back to local families in the new year, sign up to get on the volunteer schedule.

Because of RMHCA’s amazing donors and volunteers, over 350 meals have been provided along with other contributions.

The stress of the holiday rush is relieved for families who don’t have the time or energy to head to the store or prepare a meal when supporters step in. 

“Knowing the financial burden is being lifted helps. Without them [RMCHA] we don’t know how our Christmas would have turned out this year.”

Prince Williams

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