“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Just the other day, I was perusing the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website looking at the stats for volunteering in this country over the last several years. I was shocked. Over the last 10 years alone, the percentage of Americans engaged in volunteer activity to help others in their community has steadily dropped. I couldn’t help but wonder what is going on? Just a cursory search for answers yielded several suggestions. Some have said the economy is to blame, that the increase in two-income homes and hours-worked to make ends meet has gutted extra time and energy to give volunteering. Others have blamed it on our government not investing the resources needed for non-profits to effectively recruit and train volunteers. Some have even blamed the explosion of social media (shifting trends away from community involvement due to the emergence of online communities), young people moving more often, and so on. Whatever the cause, I can tell you this: it has not weakened the numbers, strength, commitment, loyalty and impact of the volunteer base at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison! There is just something so special about our volunteers. I’ve never encountered a more humble, loving, delightful group of people in my whole life – and that’s not an “Executive Director’s Newsletter Message” exaggeration! They are living examples of the timeless truth that true happiness flows from gratitude, and true gratitude grows out of serving others. They always have a smile, never a complaint, perpetually ready and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the comfort of the families we serve.

Perhaps, just perhaps, what the rest of the country needs to witness, for just a few days, is our volunteers hard at work, bringing joy to others from the joy within their own hearts. Then maybe the US Bureau of Labor Statistics would report a national jump in volunteering. Thank you, RMHC–Madison volunteers, for all you do. You are truly an inspiration, making the world a better place…one shift at a time.

With sincere gratitude,

Kevin HuddlestonExecutive DirectorRMHC–Madison

Ronald McDonald House Charities Madison

2013 ANNUAL REPORT HeartlineRonald McDonald House Charities – Madison

Summer 2017

Happiness Flows from GratitudeCORE PROGRAMSRonald McDonald HouseAt the Ronald McDonald House we keep families together through one of the most difficult times any family can endure—the illness or injury of a child—making sure they have a place to stay and a warm and supportive environment so they can focus on their child’s recovery.

Ronald McDonald Family RoomThe Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, offers families a home-like atmosphere mere steps away from their child where they can recharge and restore.

Ronald McDonald Care MobileThrough the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile we provide free medical and dental services to un- or underinsured children.

Madison

Board President: Tracy Yandry, CPA

Board Vice-President: Jasper D. Vaccaro, JD

Board Treasurer: Jim Martin

Board Secretary: Bill Shager

Shawn Arneson

Keith Baumgartner, CPA

Jerry Brown

Guy Bucciferro III

Steve Hoff

Michelle M. Kelly, MD

Kathy Kostrivas, RNC-OB, MBA

Steve Landry

Wendy Lommen

Kristin Polywacz

Farrah N.W. Rifelj

Nick Shutwell

Matt Van Nest

Michael Weber

2017 Board of Directors

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Recently, there has been a growing tone of division and negativity in everything we read and hear. It is difficult at times not to allow that negativity to affect perceptions of society and what to expect from others. So when our daughter, Charlotte, was born three months early and we were thrust into what we could only assume would be a long and difficult road, we expected little support aside from that of our family and close friends.

Immediately, I was delighted to discover how incredibly wrong that notion was. From the outset, we were amazed at the genuine kindness exemplified by hospital staff, NICU families, volunteers and others. For our family, there could have been no truer example of kindness than that shown by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

At a time where each moment with Charlotte was critical to her development, RMHC helped to ensure we were present. They offered us a room in the Ronald McDonald Family Room which allowed us to be there for every feeding, or to rub her back whenever she was experiencing an inevitable rough patch. They opened their kitchen to us, even offering homemade meals for days when time was scarce (more often than not). They supplied laundry machines and brought gifts over the holidays. At the head of it all were the volunteers and staff who truly cared and were always kind.

As we move into our now 14th week in the NICU and prepare ourselves to take our beautiful and very healthy daughter home, we do so with a renewed faith in the kindness of people. In keeping with the concept of “paying it forward” we will choose to focus on the great many wonderful people we have encountered during this time and throughout our lives and will strive to instill those qualities in Charlotte. We thank RMHC for playing a major role in renewing our faith in kindness. We wish you continued support. Your cause is a great one.

– Jeff, Anna and Charlotte

Our MissionThe mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. RMHC-Madison supports the critical needs of children through three core programs: Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

FAMILY STORY

Kindness, When It Was Needed Most

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From focusing on the treatment of pediatric cancer in Poland to ophthalmology in Thailand and immunizations in Rockford, Illinois, 49 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles are providing access to health care where children need it most.

Did you know? • More than 51 million hours of schooling are lost annually

due to the lack of dental care among American children.• Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood

disease today in the United States, five times more common than asthma.

RMHC–Madison and Mercyhealth have worked together for nearly 15 years to provide free medical care to children, ages 0–18, in the Rockford area through the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program. Together, we deliver services that go beyond treatment; they reduce reliance on emergency rooms and heighten awareness of healthy lifestyles. In 2016, we provided free medical and dental care to more than 658 children.

We are proud to unveil the fun, updated exterior design for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, which now highlights the families we serve. We are especially thankful to the estate of Herb Lotman, RMHC Global Trustee, for helping to cover the costs of this branding transition. During his lifetime, Herb was an extremely generous donor to RMHC and we are proud to acknowledge his legacy of giving on the Care Mobile.

What makes the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program unique? By providing cost-effective, high-quality medical, dental and health education services, these vehicles literally open the door to health care for thousands of children worldwide. When

it comes to delivering health care, Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles take a holistic approach.

• Prevention: We deliver health education, which reduces overall medical costs, addresses behavior and lifestyle choices and helps motivate families to improve and maintain their health.

• Treatment: We provide services ranging from immunizations and preventive check-ups to dental care and treatment for chronic and acute illnesses.

• Referral: Our staff works with families to help them get access to ongoing care with a primary doctor or dentist

Services for Families All Ronald McDonald Care Mobile services are provided in a 40-foot long, 8-foot wide, state-of-the-art vehicle built specifically for delivering pediatric health care services. The vehicle includes two patient examination rooms, a laboratory, and reception and medical records areas. The Rockford area Ronald McDonald Care Mobile services include:

• School & sports physicals• Primary care, well-child visits & developmental screening• Diagnosis• Treatment of chronic conditions, including

asthma & obesity care• Immunizations• Hemoglobin point of care testing• Dental care• Referral for specialty care

For Care Mobile appointments or schedule inquiries call 815-971-5800. For questions about the Care Mobile please contact Toni Ellingson, FNP/Manager at 815-971-5810.

Providing Access to Health Care Where Children Need it Most

RONALD MCDONALD CARE MOBILE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

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“This place is amazing, we were transferred to Madison when our son was born because he had some breathing issues and potential infection and we were in tears by the stress this place saved us, so generous. I am just so blessed to have been able to stay here and have this experience.” – Elisa Shaw

“The Ronald McDonald House has provided our family a place to stay while my son went through intense chemo and radiation for brain cancer. I recommend those who are able to help, donate. If you are able to be a volunteer, they are always looking for those as well. Contact your local facility and help make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families.” – Amy High

“My granddaughter was transferred from Kansas City to Madison and we were able to stay here. The staff was very accommodating and the place was very welcoming. I’m grateful for the Ronald McDonald House and the services they provide.” – Monique Simmons

“This place is the best! My son was born with a liver disease and was transferred down to Madison (3 hours from home) for surgery. Our first stay was for 18 days! Everyday I felt at home. Not one day did I wake up and feel out of place! Everyone is so happy and helpful no matter what kind of day they are having. We come down every three months now for 1-2 nights and I can honestly say we look forward to the stay at the Ronald McDonald House! Thank you so much for everything you guys do! It makes us have hope when we feel like everything is crashing down around us!” – Dayna Barna

Love from our “Facebook Families”

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FAMILY STORY

Our Home Away from Home: 29 Stays and CountingJacob is a smart, kind 8-year-old boy. Like many kids his age, he loves Star Wars and legos. He also loves to help others.

Jacob was born in September 2008 at 34 weeks gestation. When Jacob first arrived he did very well. He did not know how to suck and could not regulate his body temperature. As time went on we found that Jacob had some reflux and newborn aspiration. He underwent multiple stomach surgeries over the course of two years. Jacob spent the first two years off and on at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee where he had his stomach procedures done. Throughout the first two years in Jacob’s life we spent many nights at the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee.

Jacob then developed some immune complications. He started developing allergies to everything he came in contact with. He was diagnosed with severe eosinophilic esophagitis and severe eosinophilic asthma. He would have severe breathing complications, many nights with hives. We would spend many hours every day and every night, treating skin sores, protecting his lungs with treatments, trying our best to get through the day and provide the best environment for Jacob to live in.

We reached out to a few specialists at American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison who gratefully took Jacob under their wings. His doctors at American Family Children’s Hospital thought Jacob would benefit from an experimental drug. It is a monthly injection that has given a new meaning to life for Jacob.

The Ronald McDonald House in Madison is our home for one weekend each month now. Since May 2010 we have had 29 trips to the Ronald McDonald House and counting. We cannot say enough about how much the American Family Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House has meant to our family. It has been such a blessing.

With the utmost gratitude to both American Family Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Madison.

– Jennifer Betancur, Jacob’s mom

Support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison, Inc. when you shop at smile.amazon.com. The AmazonSmile program, donates 0.5% of the price of eligible AmazonSmile purchases.

Wish ListRonald McDonald House Charities of Madison relies on donations of these household items to provide all the comforts of home in our House and at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Gift cards Restaurants Local entertainment Target, Walmart, etc. PickNSave grocery store

Special requested itemsStandard sized down-alternative filled pillowsCrossword or word search puzzle books for adults Forever postage stamps 8 ½ x 11 recycled copy paper

Household itemsDisinfectant wipes Paper towel rolls Toilet bowl brush and holder Swiffer Wet Jet refill liquid & pads-purple variety Vinyl, powder free gloves (M and L sizes)Spray air freshener (summer breeze, spring rain, mountain scents –no fruit scents)

FoodRegular coffee and decaf coffeePowdered coffee creamerAdult cereal (ex. Assorted Cheerios, Special K)SpaghettiOsMacaroni and cheese (microwavable) Brownie mixes Vegetable oil 9x11ish and smaller disposable aluminum foil pans

For Lunches with Love ProgramIndividual serving sized bagged chips or pretzels Individual serving sized fruit cups or applesauce Brown paper lunch bags (size 6.125”x4”x12.375” only)Napkins

Toys, pantry foods and toiletriesDue to the generous donations of toiletries, pantry food, and toys we are not in need of additional donations at this time.

You can deliver donated items to the Ronald McDonald House in Madison, 2716 Marshall Court, Madison, 53705. Office hours 8am - 9pm M-F, 9am - 9pm S-S

All donations must be new and in the original packaging. We do not accept expired or used items.

If you’ve ever met Patty Nordhaus, you know she loves the Ronald McDonald House. Patty is enthusiastic about sharing her story of a 20-plus year history, going back to the days before there was a Ronald McDonald House in Madison.

Her history begins with having kids at Edgewood High School at the same time as several other families who became involved in the drive to get our House built. Patty and her husband, Jim, became friends with John and Coleen Flad, Phil and Alice Farrell, and Marv and Judy Siegert while the kids were all in school together. They asked Jim and Patty to get involved with the community effort to raise money to build a Ronald McDonald House. Years earlier, her brother-in-law had been ill as a child and had long stays in the hospital. Through that experience, Patty said she and Jim recognized the need and the value of having a place to keep parents close by their children. She said, “we saw right away what a good thing this would be and we jumped right on board… we sold bricks, we sold t-shirts, we did whatever it took to get this House built.”

After Patty retired, she became a regular shift volunteer at the House, working the front desk every Tuesday morning from nine until noon. Patty said it’s been more than 10 years now and she still looks forward to every shift. In recent years, she has looked for ways to connect the things that she loves most. She is a strong advocate for Friends of the Middleton Performing Arts Center. She is proud of her work there, because of the exceptional, professional talent it brings into the community. She has facilitated donations of tickets to performances to several of RMHC fund-raising auctions and connected many RMHC supporters to the Middleton Performing Arts Center.

Last summer, Patty found yet another way to share her love of the House with others. On the occasion their 50th wedding anniversary, Patty and Jim used it as an opportunity to provide support for RMHC and several other charities they care about. Patty said, “Jim and I talked about how, after you’re married 50 years, there’s not anything you need. We love RMHC and thought donations to the House would be much nicer than stuff we didn’t need. We thought it would be a great way to bring new people into the House and have them learn more about it. We were so pleased and surprised by the outpouring of love from our friends and family.”

Patty has intentions to continue to share her love of the House as part of her legacy. She recently informed us that she has included RMHC–Madison in her estate plans. She said she sees it as an opportunity to provide for the charities that she cares about. She said, “It’s a gift to be able to leave something to the causes that are dear to my heart.”

Patty said that this is the way she gives thanks. She expresses it this way, “My heart goes out to these parents here who have a sick child. I thank God every day my children and grandchildren are healthy. My way of giving thanks is to help.”

– Mary Donahue, Director of Development

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GREAT GIVERS

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2716 Marshall Court, Madison, WI 53705

Ronald McDonald House Charities®

of Madison

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Your spare change means I can play with my sister and brother even when I’m sick.