Mega Doctor News
A source of anxiety, depression and stress, a child’s illness and hospitalization can be particularly difficult and most often an unpredictable situation for a family. The emotional and mental well-being of a parent during their child’s illness or hospitalization, per the National Library of Medicine, depends on several factors: psychological characteristics of the child and the parent, the child’s health condition and, most importantly, the level of support offered for the family.
Support for parents with a hospitalized child is essential as it can mitigate emotional and psychological distress and improve emotional well-being, per the American Academy of Pediatrics. If a parent’s ability to participate in their hospitalized child’s care is compromised by any sort of distress, it can take a toll on the child’s recovery.
Services designed to provide support to parents of sick children can help families experience lower stress levels and better participate in a child’s medical care, leading to improved results for a child’s health.
Housed on the third floor of South Texas Health System Children’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas’ Ronald McDonald Family Room offers families with hospitalized children a supportive, comforting environment where parents and caregivers can rest and regroup just steps away from their child’s bedside.
“Having a sick child can be an overwhelming experience full of uncertainty and anxiety,” says Kimberly Davis, pediatric administrator, STHS Children’s. “Our promise to deliver quality, compassionate care goes far beyond medical care. With support from community partners like Ronald McDonald House Charities, STHS Children’s canoffer parents a quiet place away from the medical space to recharge while remaining close to their sick child.”
Equipped with a kitchen, living room area, shower, laundry facilities and three quiet rooms where parents can relax, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at STHS Children’s provides a home away from home.
Since its inception and after hosting a grand reopening in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Family Room has served thousands of families through services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing. In 2024, the Ronald McDonald Family Room served 6,832 total guests, an 88% increase from the previous year, with 1,535 families able to benefit from the space and the services within it.
“As an organization, it is our priority to keep families close to the healthcare they need and to each other, says Michelle Horine, Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas. “We’re grateful we have been able to provide a comforting supportive space to families in Edinburg and the surrounding communities.”
In all, 5,679 visits were made to the Family Room in 2024, an 82% increase from the previous year. Whether taking a few minutes to rest and relax, answer emails or conduct work or pick up snacks provided by pantry partners like Veritum Law Group; Leah Wise Law Firm, PLLC; the Law Offices of Michael M. Guerra and Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing Services Incorporated, parents and caregivers were able to receive support while remaining close to their child’s bedside.
“Through our partnership with South Texas Health System Children’s we were able to help ease the stress of a hospital stay by offering a quiet retreat where families can relax, recharge and support one another while remaining close to their child’s bedside,” adds Horine.
To learn more about the Ronald McDonald Family Room at STHS Children’s, visit www.southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com. If you’re interested in supporting RMHC of South Texas’ mission to provide comfort and support for families with hospitalized children, you can visit rmhcstx.org.
