Nearly 17 years ago, our adorable 5-year old niece, Jamie, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Our lives were changed in that moment and in the year of treatments that followed. Our family rallied together to do what we could to help my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew get through what is the most excruciating experience - losing a child. Over 10 years ago, my husband, Rich, searched for a place where he could support other families caring for their sick or injured child. He found this in our Ronald McDonald House. Then operating out of one room in the hospital, he would soon spearhead the endeavor to build a freestanding House on the grounds of the hospital. Since then, he has served on the Board which he currently Chairs. Together, we work to raise money and awareness through independent fundraisers and have named the Playroom in memory of our beloved niece, Jamie.
Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley keeps families with a sick child together and close to the care and resources they need by providing a home-away-from-home just steps from their child's hospital room. Located in Valhalla, on the campus of Westchester Medical Center, the 12-bedroom Ronald McDonald House primarily serves families who have a child receiving medical care at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital as well as Blythedale Children's Hospital. This year, the House celebrated ten years of supporting more than 2,000 families during their child's medical crisis. In honor of my own ten year anniversary of The Hillary's Homes Team, I will be matching all donations made to this campaign. Together, we will give families with a sick child what matters most - each other