Interview with Jennifer Bistrovich about the Ronald McDonald House Charities

Throughout the month, we’ve been sharing more information about how each of our selected charities for 2024 are making a significant impact in their respective areas and within the lives of the Mindex employees who nominated them.  

So far, the featured stories we’ve shared have included:

• The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, nominated by Kelsey Kolar in memory of her cousin, Billy.
• The Junior League of Rochester, nominated by Mary Humphrey (Forleo).

Our third and final featured story is with Jennifer Bistrovich, Mindex Scrum Master, who nominated the Ronald McDonald House Charities in gratitude for the support they provided her brother and his family during her nephew Bensen's time of need.

Q: Can you shine a bit more light on the charity’s purpose? 

Jenni: Ronald McDonald House Charities offer families with sick children a place to stay close to the treatment facilities, which is hugely impactful for them to be close to their child during such a difficult time and situation.  The support system they provide helps to significantly reduce stress for the families and can help improve the care and outcome of the child’s wellness: Your child is most comfortable with you, so being able to be right there for them is not only beneficial for you, but beneficial for your child as well.

“Had it not been for the Ronald McDonald House, we would have had to sleep in our vehicle. Their kindness carried us through and had taken such a heavy burden of stress and worry off of Dad and I. We had somewhere warm to rest, to eat, and to shower while still being only minutes away from our little miracle while he healed from his heart surgery. Without them, facing this crisis nearly 90 miles from our home with 3 other children in school would have been unimaginable. RMH is a lifeline for families like ours.”
– Excerpt from a letter shared by Bensen’s parents

The charity originated in the United States and is now international operating in over 60 countries!  It’s easy for people to see the little change boxes at McDonalds or welcome centers, but it’s bigger than that. They provide so much to families going through a tough time. The impact they’ve made is so vast, it’s amazing.

Q: Do you have a personal story or experience you can share that has inspired your support for this charity?

Jenni: I have a heartfelt letter from my brother and sister-in-law where they were willing to share their experience and the impact the charity has had on their family:

On February 12th, 2018, we were scheduled for a cesarean for our 4th and final addition to our beautiful family. Our world was flipped upside down when our last little miracle started struggling to breathe just after birth. After many tests, doctors discovered that he was born with an undetected CHD/Congenital Heart Defect. This specific CHD is called TAPVR/Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return. This rare heart defect affects 1 in every 7,552 live births. 

We were told that our little fighter needed life-saving surgery at only 7 hours old. He was rushed immediately from Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY, to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. Dad rushed to the hospital to be there by his side and Mom was transported by ambulance to Strong the next morning.

We had no knowledge of his CHD until after birth, imagining a perfect picture of health, we hadn't prepared for an emergency situation like this. 

We had 3 children at home, who were all in school. A newborn fighting for his life an hour and a half from our home. This felt like opposite ends of the earth for us. How can we be in 2 places at once? 

When you're dealing with such an incredibly emotional tragedy, facing so many unknowns, all you can think about is praying for your child's survival and quality of life. There weren't thoughts of how or where we would stay when we got there, we just wanted to be by our newborns side.

After speaking with hospital staff, they'd informed us we could stay at the Ronald McDonald house, located inside the hospital. We stayed there, taking turns for almost a full month. 

Had it not been for the Ronald McDonald house, we would have had to sleep in our vehicle. Their kindness carried us through and had taken such a heavy burden of stress and worry off of Dad and I. We had somewhere warm to rest, to eat, and to shower while still being only minutes away from our little miracle while he healed from his heart surgery. 

Without them, facing this crisis nearly 90 miles from our home with 3 other children in school would have been unimaginable. RMH is a lifeline for families like ours. 

Our son is now 6yo and vibrant with kindness and joy. We couldn't imagine living in a world without his smile and energy for life. There is still no cure for CHD, and our son will need monitoring throughout his entire life. But being given the opportunity to be by his side when he was in the hospital, we believe this helped him fight a little harder. 

We are forever grateful for the selfless support and kindness they offered our family during such an unexpected and emotional experience. 

Q: Are there specific programs or initiatives the charity has that allows people to get involved?

Jenni: They have a variety of programs for people to get involved and support their mission:

• They have volunteering in the form of donating time and talents.  In Ronald McDonald House locations you have people providing meals and administrative support.
• Monetary donations are always helpful and can be made on their website or during different fundraising events.
• You can bring over a meal to families staying there, whether it is homemade or store-bought.
• Donations of hygiene products and household goods are always super helpful. For example, they have donation drives collecting the kinds of items you’d need at a hotel. A family who is rushed from their home into an emergency situation may not have the needed toiletries or items you’re going to need for every day living in those locations. There are wishlists on their website, highlighting specific items commonly needed and requested.
  

Getting involved in any of those initiatives can make a significant difference for families dealing with their child’s illness.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about this charity or your experience that you haven’t yet said?

Jenni:  My nephew is now 6 years old and is an absolute joy to be around.  Even though he has to go through treatment the rest of his life for the Congenital Heart Disease that he is effected with, he is happy and just so full of life and energy. This charity really hit home for us because my brother and his family lived in Syracuse and the baby needed to be transferred to Rochester within 7 hours of being born. They had three children already at home (and in school), so having all of that added to the craziness.  If you imagine yourself in that position—and can grasp the vast emotion that you’d have to deal with— it’s a very difficult situation.  

“We had no knowledge of his CHD until after birth, imagining a perfect picture of health, we hadn't prepared for an emergency situation like this. We had 3 children at home, who were all in school. A newborn fighting for his life an hour and a half from our home. This felt like opposite ends of the earth for us. How can we be in 2 places at once? 

When you're dealing with such an incredibly emotional tragedy, facing so many unknowns, all you can think about is praying for your child's survival and quality of life. There weren't thoughts of how or where we would stay when we got there, we just wanted to be by our newborns side.” – Excerpt from a letter shared by Bensen’s parents

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides comfort and a home away from home, and allowing a family to stay close to their child makes such a huge difference. It takes a village, and everyone who rallies around the families in any way to help provide strength and support is really what it’s all about.

Inspired by Jenni's story and want to donate to this charity's cause or want to learn more?

Visit The Ronald McDonald House Charities' website for more information.

Since day 1, giving back to our community has always been a key priority for Mindex. While we usually select one main charity to focus our donation efforts on every year, we’ve committed to supporting three charities in 2024 as part of our 30-year milestone— 3 charities to celebrate 30 years! #3for30

The 2024 Selected Charities include:

1. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Improving the quality of life of people affected by FTD and driving research to a cure. Read Kelsey's Story >>
   
   
2. Junior League of Rochester. Advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Read Mary's Story >>
   
   
3. Ronald McDonald House Charities. Caring for families with children who are ill or injured, so no family has to deal with their child’s medical crisis alone.