Guest Comments

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk provides a home away from home for families with children facing medical challenges and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

In 2008, our local house served 973 families who had children in nearby hospitals. Because of donations and volunteers, we were able to provide lodging to these families totaling 4,157 nights which translates to an average room occupancy of 71% throughout the year.

Here are what some of our guests had to say:

“Thank you for your hospitality. It was a blessing to have a home away form home. Thank you to the staff that were very kind and helpful. I pray that this wonderful organization will continue. May God Bless.” July2009

“Thank you soooo much for the wonderful work you do here. Everyone we have met has been so encouraging and helpful to my husband and me during our stay here. Just to have a shoulder to lean on when your child is ill means so much. We only hope that we have been a blessing to others as well.” July 2009

”Thanks to all the people who help this house. What a great job you do. We were overwhelmed with the comfort and amenities provided here. My youngest son loved eating snacks in the kitchen and playing in the playroom. He was so comfortable there, and as a special needs child he is not like that everywhere. We loved our room with ample beds for all of us. Thanks for all you do to make this possible. You do a great job! Thank you for making Ronald McDonald House such a special place.”

Dear Friends,

Words cannot express our gratitude for you kind hospitality. The Ronald McDonald House is truly a "shelter in the storm." Thanks for making a difficult experience easier to endure. Our son suffered a serious brain injury from a skateboarding accident. He was not wearing a helmet. We thank God that he will make a nearly complete recovery. It could have been so much worse. Please make sure your child wears a helmet for any sport that poses a risk for head injury. 5/26/09

On behalf of my daughter and son-in-law, I'd like to express our gratitude for all the help we received from the Ronald McDonald House and the cooperating organizations that work with the R.M.H. Specifically we were touched by the Boy Scout Troop, Beth El and the meals from other individuals. We were touched by the kindness and support during a difficult time in our lives. My twin grandsons are still in the special care nursery at the hospital but we feel encouraged at their progress at this time.

God Bless you all and know that all acts of kindness, big or small are investments in people's lives who are in need. Even if you never meet the people you help, please know that you have meant the world to someone in need. 2/3/09

Our son weighed one pound eleven ounces at birth
“Thank you so much Ronald McDonald House. We couldn't have asked for anything more during one of the hardest, most uncertain times of our life!”

Our son, Tyler David, was born on August 8, 2007. He was delivered at only 24 weeks and weighed just 1 pound, 11 ounces. At birth, he was unable to breathe on his own and soon developed a serious staph infection. While staying at the hospital with our son, we were told about Ronald McDonald House. We live an hour and a half from Norfolk. That distance isn't as far as some travel to go to Children's Hospital, but staying at the House allowed me to be with my son more often. The House offers so much more than just a place to stay that it truly was my "home away from home." The facility is wonderful, clean and nice. There were gracious people who brought home cooked meals for the families, and since my top priority was not to cook, it was wonderful to have a home cooked meal. The staff is also very helpful and friendly, and provided us with whatever we needed. 

After several weeks at the hospital, Tyler was doing great. He was able to come completely off his oxygen, and weighed over 5 pounds and was drinking up to four bottles a day! We were so lucky to be able to come home before the holidays. Thank you so much Ronald McDonald House. We couldn't have asked for anything more during one of the hardest, most uncertain times of our life!

- Paula, Lionel and Tyler Copeland

Three Generations say “thank you”
The Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk has been a blessing to our family. The staff was very helpful and kind. We so much appreciated the service. My daughter would not have been able to be with her first baby the way she has. May they keep this service for all families that have these types of needs.

- Thanks from a new grandparent

Dear RMH,
Thank you for letting us stay while Moira had her surgery. We appreciate the kindness & support you have given us.”

- A thankful family

Dear RMH,
Thank you for your dedication to running this very special place. Your hard work enabled my daughter and I to have a wonderful place to be during her extended surgical procedure. During these last two weeks, this really has become a “home away form home”…. And everyone treated my daughter so kindly – spoiling her rotten! She has been able to relax and enjoy being her sweet self during a time that she might have focused on her discomfort. Thank you for donations and meals provided. It enabled me to focus less on the day to day issues and more on my child in her time of need.

- A grateful mother

Dear RMH,
I wanted to thank you for your help and support throughout the years. We will always be in debt to you and your staff. Our son will always be in our hearts, and when I think of all we went through with him we think of you! We pray daily for the families there and wish the best.

- A thankful family