When Kaiya Mack was born with a rare life-threatening condition called gastroschisis, her parents, Mariah and Jonny, were 2,500 miles away from the advanced medical care that their first baby’s life would depend on. From their home in Honolulu, the couple traveled to the Bay Area where Kaiya underwent multiple surgeries immediately after she was born, spending four months in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“Until you have a sick child you don’t understand that feeling of stress,” said Kaiya’s father, Jonny. “The fact you can be in this community and share with other people and they help you and it’s for free and they don’t ask you for anything in return—it’s a blessing.”
Housing families nearby and inside the hospital makes access possible.
Thanks to donors like you, we provided nearly 34,000 overnight stays to families with sick children. Mariah and Jonny were relieved to learn that once they arrived in the Bay Area, they would have a community of support to lean on — moments from Kaiya’s life-saving medical care.
“If it weren’t for Ronald McDonald House I wouldn’t be here,” — 10-year-old Kaiya
By donating today, you can ensure RMHC Bay Area is there for sick children and their families, providing comfort and support when and where they need it most.
P.S. We have more to share with you about Kaiya’s medical journey. Keep an eye on our social media for more updates and sign up for our newsletter.
nearby and inside the hospital
for families with sick children
of free psychosocial support
offsetting $1.4 million in meal expenses
distributed thanks to our Second Harvest food bank partnership
donated for Comfort & Joy with an estimated value of $88,000
in Ronald McDonald House School (Carter Family Classroom)
delivered to families at the hospital
Aug. 8 — Last week, Is-e Hogan, grandmother of Jackson Sattler, and her friends hosted a wonderful dinner for RMHC Bay Area families honoring the memory of Jackson Sattler's sixth birthday. The group served pizza, mac-n-cheese, and salad, some of Jackson's favorite foods.... Read more about Mission Moment – Giving Back for Jackson...
11 August, 2023
May 11 – As we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14, and Mother’s Day in Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala this week on Wednesday, May 10, moms like Ivette and Jessica remind us of the superpowers... Read more about Moms are Superheroes – Happy Mother’s Day...
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10-month-old Miracle was born a heart warrior, undergoing open heart surgery at just a few months old. She is truly a miracle baby to her parents, Heidi and Daniel Franco, which inspired her name. Read more about The Franco Family – Finding Comfort, Coping Together...
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A year and half ago, Kristin and Jordan lost their seven-month-old daughter, Cecilia Elizabeth, who is known affectionately at RMHC Bay Area as “Baby CeCe.” As part of her grief journey, Kristin began writing “Dear Cecilia,” virtual love letters to her daughter, building a community for families grieving a child. Read more about Grief Awareness Day – “What is grief, if not love persevering?”...
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From the moment their youngest, Emilio, was born 11 months ago, the couple knew their lives would be changed forever. Only days after his birth, Emilio was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Without a liver transplant — the kind of care unavailable in the Central Valley— Emilio’s own proteins were toxic and deadly. Read more about Emilio’s Story — Accessing Care in Crisis...
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Jun. 11 — “Staying active has helped me manage my anxiety, frustration and anger (how can you not be angry when you’re kid is sick?) in a productive and helpful way.”— Jessica Rogozinski, #RMHCBayArea Parent... Jessica and her kids Felix and Dottie have stayed at #RonaldMcDonaldHouse on and off since 2016, making the 3+ hour drive from Fresno for Felix’s treatments. ... Read more about Mission Moment — Finding Sanctuary...
22 June, 2022
Can you believe that springtime is already coming to an end on June 21? There’s still time to support our spring give campaign. You can help fund housing, meal, and psychosocial support programs for kids and families accessing lifesaving medical care... Read more about Moments of Joy — Because of You!...
13 June, 2022
Meet Heart Warrior, Adrianna Rosie ... In February 2021, Adrianna’s mom, Abigail, experienced a parent’s worst nightmare. Her 9-month-old was gasping for air, and she didn’t know why. In an instant, everything changed... Read more about Adrianna’s Story — Treatment an Ocean Away...
02 May, 2022
What we achieved last year for sick children and their families would not have been possible without thousands of supporters like you showing up when we needed you most. Thanks to our dedicated donors, volunteers ... Read more about 2021 Annual Report — Leaning in for Families...
13 April, 2022
