Not all stays at Ronald McDonald House are long-term.

The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (RMFR) are purpose-built places that offer families of sick or injured children a chance to take care of everyday needs without leaving the hospital.

They offer the same amenities as the Ronald McDonald House but are just feet away from where their child is being treated. That includes light meals, nap pods, laundry and shower facilities, work stations, and lounge areas.

Parents, Nate and Ashley, utilized the Family Rooms on two separate occasions when their children, Addie and Chance, were hospitalized at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

When she was only 4 months old Addie, pictured above, was hospitalized with a viral infection which caused her to spike high fevers. She had a 5-day stay at Children’s to get the virus under control before being released to go back home to Fort Loramie with her parents.

RONALD McDONALD FAMILY ROOMS PROVIDEA PLACE TO REST AND REGROUP WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOSPITAL

Little Chance was only 3 weeks old when he was hospitalized for laryngomalacia, a congenital softening of the tissues of the larynx (voice box) above the vocal cords. This condition caused him difficulty with breathing and urgent measures needed to be taken. Chance required hospitalization at Dayton Children’s Hospital for treatment and recovery. Once again, the Ronald McDonald Family Room was a Godsend for parents Nate and Ashley, allowing them, once more, a place to clean up and grab a quick meal before going back to Chance’s bedside.

Chance had a 10-day stay at Children’s Hospital.

The Barhorst family knows how fortunate they were that both children had relatively short-term illnesses but remember that time was made easier and more comfortable due to the use of the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.

Addie & Chance are the children of Nate Barhost.

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