STORY SUMMARY
Our Community Connection highlights the crucial support offered by the Ronald McDonald House Charities on Davis Islands, adjacent to Tampa General Hospital. Tampa Bay’s Community Relations Manager, Katherine Bur, showcased the profound impact of the house, spotlighting the Arola family from Miami. Just 10 weeks ago, young Caitlyn Arola received a life-saving kidney transplant, with her mother as the donor. The Ronald McDonald House provided the Arola family with a comforting, convenient place to stay, easing the burden during their crisis. The facility offers amenities like a playground and volunteer-prepared meals, all free of charge. Tampa Bay and the Techno Foundation proudly donated a $12,000 grant to support the house’s ongoing efforts. Katherine Bur and Lisa Suad expressed heartfelt thanks, noting over 30 years of service to families with hospitalized children.
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Ronald McDonald House Charities Provide Vital Support to Families at Tampa General Hospital
On Davis Island adjacent to Tampa General Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House Charities is offering crucial aid to families with children undergoing medical treatment. The charity’s efforts recently came into focus as they assisted the Arola family from Miami. Ten weeks ago, young Caitlyn Arola was in critical condition at Tampa General, needing a kidney transplant. Her mother became the life-saving donor, reflecting the organization’s mission to ease the burden on families during dire times. The Ronald McDonald House provides not only a place to stay but also a sense of relief and support, allowing parents to focus on their child‘s recovery.
The charity’s facility includes various amenities designed to create a homely environment for families in crisis. Just a block away from the hospital, it offers a playground and indoor space for children to play, along with daily meals prepared by volunteers, ensuring that families can focus solely on their sick loved ones. Their services come at no charge, which is invaluable for parents enduring long hospital stays while maintaining the ability to remain close to their children, like the Arolas.
Recently, the charity received a significant boost from Tent Tampa Bay and the Techno Foundation, which presented a $12,000 grant to aid in their efforts. Katherine Bur and Lisa Suad from the Ronald McDonald House expressed gratitude for the contribution, highlighting their long-standing service to families in the Tampa Bay area. With over 30 years on Davis Island and 40 years in the wider community, the organization continues to provide essential support, ensuring that families can cherish those invaluable moments with their recovering children.
