Proceeds - Giving Back Raffle Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego
Our San Diego Ronald McDonald House helps keep families close to their hospitalized child. Located just 300 steps from our local children's hospital, we provide overnight lodging, warm meals, and other programs and services to support families during their time of medical crisis. Volunteerism, in-kind donations, and contributions through fundraisers like the San Diego Giving Back Raffle represent the very best our community has to offer - coming together for a common cause to make a difference for those who need it most.
Nothing could have prepared Alexandrea Campbell for the birth of her fourth child, Jimmy. Her water broke at 22 weeks, when such a premature baby, known as a micro preemie, has only a 10% chance of survival. Alexandrea was hospitalized on bed rest in hopes of postponing her labor. She ended up delivering at 26 weeks. Newborn Jimmy had to stay in the intensive care unit for an excruciating long 105 days.
Shortly after Jimmy's birth, Alexandrea and her husband Jose were able to move into San Diego's Ronald McDonald House. What they appreciated as much as the accommodations, meals and amenities was the support they received. "We were supported not only by the staff and volunteers," recounts Alexandrea, "but also by the other families. There's a real sense of community at the House."
Infant Jimmy is now at home with his family and has physical therapy and eye checkups once a week. Jimmy has proved his resilience, but he still has a long road ahead of him to catch up with his full-term contemporaries. The Campbells are grateful to have been at his side in his fight for survival.
Guam residents Julie Ann and Geric Lingat were working in the hospitality industry and raising their two young children when Juile Ann went to the hospital, thinking she again had a kidney stone. In fact, she was pregnant with twins. The couple looked forward to this surprise expansion of their family. Unfortunately, the newborn brothers experienced several infections and multiple stays in intensive care. Leaving their older children with relatives, they traveled to San Diego for further diagnosis and treatment.
While so far from home and full of worry, the Lingats felt fortunate to be able to stay at San Diego's Ronald McDonald House. "We only expected a room and beds. That would have been enough," says Geric. Instead, they found so much more. A big room, free laundry, and space to take a good rest - plus three freshly prepared meals daily. And after a month, the parents were able to bring their older children to join them. "We hadn't had a chance to be a family. The Ronald McDonald House provided the space for that," Julie Ann says. Plus, the older children fit right in here. It helps to be with children in similar situations.
The twins need a bone marrow transplant to lead a healthier life. Fortunately, big sister Anaya is a match. Julie Ann says their experience has humbled their family and given them more purpose. "Waking up is really a happy thing."
Read more Ronald McDonald House family stories at: rmhcsd.org
Founded in 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego provides a “home away from home” to families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. As an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we depend on our community for the funds necessary to keep families close to their hospitalized child. Your raffle support brings comfort to families, letting them and their hospitalized children know they are not alone during their hour of greatest need. Your engagement matters, providing essential funding to enable us to help more families and further advance our mission.
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