In This Issue:
The pre-construction phase of our expansion has begun.
Click the image of our roadside sign to learn more about how Hope is Growing at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

 

Dear Friend of the House,

 

If you've driven along Sand Hill Road in the past couple of weeks, you've probably noticed some major changes. Last week, the pre-construction phase of our long-awaited House expansion project began with site preparation that includes grading and the removal and preservation of trees. The footprint of our new building was designed to protect the grand historic oak that sits between the existing House and the expansion property. Significant effort has been made to protect trees that do not need to be removed and to transplant affected trees wherever possible. We greatly appreciate the support and patience of our neighbors and local residents while we move forward with our expansion plans.

 

Soon after the land is graded, crews will install large tents for our highly-anticipated House Party! Groundbreaking Gala on March 22. House Party! promises to be a one-of-kind celebration that marks the beginning of this exciting new chapter for the House. We look forward to the day when we will finally eliminate our growing waiting list and offer comfort, care, and hope to every family who needs us.

 

This expansion project would not be possible without the solid foundation and consistent level of generosity we have been fortunate to receive from our community over the years. I sincerely appreciate all of your valuable time, energy, ideas, and donations and look forward to celebrating our future with you. To keep up with our expansion progress visit our new Hope is Growing website for exciting news and regular updates.

 

In the coming months we will be hosting numerous opportunities for the entire community to join us in helping families heal together. I encourage everyone to learn more about what we do and to get involved in whatever capacity you can. No gift of kindness is too small; collectively, we have the ability to make a difference that matters.

 

Warm regards,
 

 

Annette Eros


HOUSE PARTY! Featured in Gentry Magazine
Click image to read article in online reader.
Palo Alto based Gentry magazine's March philathropy issue features a full-length story about Ronald McDonald House at Stanford's upcoming House Party! Groundbreaking Gala and the kickoff of our ambitious 52,000 square foot expansion and renovation project.

Thank you, Gentry, for helping get the word out about how Hope is Growing here at the House.

 


A Bright Future - Anna May

Anna May, recovering at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford.

Looking at Anna, a beautiful and vivacious high school senior, it's hard to believe that within the last few months she endured not one, but two life-saving brain surgeries.  

 

Anna's ordeal began back home in Shelton, Connecticut in early February when she suddenly began to experience severe muscle weakness affecting one side of her body. Soon after, she was unable to speak normally and struggled to form even simple words. Alarmed, her parents sought immediate medical care at a nearby research hospital.  

 

The diagnosis was grim-Anna was suffering from moyamoya, a rare and potentially fatal cerebrovascular disorder. Moyamoya is caused by a blockage of the carotid arteries that supply the basal ganglia-an area located at the base of the brain that acts as a sort of data processing center for the rest of the brain. A Japanese word, moyamoya translates to "puff of smoke" and refers to the wispy, smoke-like appearance of the clusters of blood vessels the brain forms to compensate for the blockage.

 

Patients with moyamoya are at serious and immediate risk of stroke and debilitating impairments in cognitive function. Immediate intervention to restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain is required.

 

By the time Anna's condition was discovered, she had already experienced two minor strokes and without treatment, more would likely follow. Working against time, Anna's parents delved into the task of finding the best possible, immediate treatment for their daughter. After a few long days of meetings and phone calls with neurological specialists, the family finally contacted Dr. Gary Steinberg at the Stanford Moyamoya Center. A renowned neurological surgeon, Dr. Steinberg is one of the world's leading experts on surgical treatment for moyamoya. Convinced they had found the best treatment option for their daughter, the family prepared for their 3,000 mile journey. Read more.  

 

*****

To learn more about how you can help families like the Mays stay together during a medical crisis, please visit www.rmhstanford.org/howyoucanhelp.


IT'S OFFICIAL! - BID TO WIN  the ULTIMATE 49ers Package
  It's Official!
 

Here's Your Chance to Bid to Win Football

 

"Heaven on Turf" 

  

4 Football Fanatics will enjoy--

 

4 owner select seats and BEYOND coveted  

FIELD PASSES for the ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME

-one time only-

NOT to be missed

 

49er HOME OPENER (or game of your choice)

 

in the new, state-of-the-art LEVI Stadium

 

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford will be auctioning off this fantasy package at our House Party! Groundbreaking Gala on March 22, 2014. Bidders need not be present at the gala to win. 

 

For more information please email Stephanie Spees, events and community relations manager, or phone 650.470.6006. 

BID to WIN! - 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Factory Five
These HOT WHEELS could be yours! Click the image to learn more
about how you can BID to WIN!

HOT WHEELS!

Bid to Win a 1965 Shelby 427 Cobra Factory Five

  

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford will be auctioning off this amazing car at our House Party! Groundbreaking Gala on March 22, 2014. Bidders need not be present at the gala to win. 

 

Visit the car auction website for more details. 

 

Limited complimentary bidding passes are available. Please email Stephanie Spees, events and community relations manager, or phone 650.470.6006. 

 

Last Call to Join the Fun! - House Party! Groundbreaking Gala, March 22, 2014
Click the image to view invitation in online reader.

Let's Make it a Play Date!
There's still time to join the fun. 

The House Party! Groundbreaking Gala, taking place on Saturday, March 22, is shaping up to be THE event of the year.  

 

The House Party! "playground" opens to ticket-holders at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, and will be emceed by Emmy award-winning news anchors Cheryl Jennings, Mike Nicco, and Don Sanchez of ABC7 News. Other enjoyable features include celebrity guest entertainer, comedian and impersonator Frank Caliendo, dinner by elite caterer McCall's, a live auction, and dancing to music by area band favorite, Pride & Joy. Tickets are limited to 500--grab yours before it's too late. 

 

To purchase tables/tickets, or inquire about House Party! sponsorship opportunities please visit the House Party! Groundbreaking Gala webpage, email Stephanie Spees, events and community relations manager, or call 650.470.6006.
Call for Donations

Help Families Feel at "Home-Away-From-Home"

House families, many of whom are far from home, greatly appreciate being able to celebrate special days. Your donations help us provide comfort and care to families in crisis.

Right now, we are accepting donations for the following items:

EASTER BASKETS
(donations needed by April 6)
MOTHER'S DAY BASKETS
(donations needed by May 7)
  • Small to medium sized baskets
  • Small stuffed bunnies or other Easter animals
  • Stickers and/or activity books
  • Plastic eggs
  • Anything else you'd like to add that will be fun!  
  • manicure kits
  • spa kits
  • lotions
  • soaps
  • gift cards
FATHER'S DAY BASKETS
(donations needed by June 11)
CAMP RONALD McDONALD
(donations accepted year-round)
  • slippers
  • grooming kits
  • small sports or car related items
  • gift cards
  • ticket donations (local museums & attractions)


    Due to infection control protocols, all donated items must be new and unused, and perishable items must be individually wrapped. THANK YOU! 

     

    If you have any questions or would like any more information about donating to our House programs, please email Erica Lee, program coordinator, or call 650.470.6011.
Events Calendar - Spring and Early Summer 2014
Upcoming Events
March 
March 3, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Volunteer information session for TEENS. Sign up.
March 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Volunteer information session for ADULTS. Sign up.
March 22, 6:00 p.m.: House Party! Groundbreaking Gala. Learn more.

April
April 5: Spring Lamb Barbecue & Bocce Tournament Learn more.
April 20: Easter
April 21, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:
Volunteer information session for ADULTS. Sign up.

May
May 5, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Volunteer information session for TEENS. Sign up.
May 11: Mother's Day
May 19, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Volunteer information session for ADULTS. Sign up.

June 
June 9: 30th Annual Randy Cross Invitational Golf Tournament. Learn more.
June 15: Father's Day
June 16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Volunteer information session for ADULTS. Sign up. 
Our Mission:
Ronald McDonald House at Stanford creates a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.
STAY CONNECTED

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Pinterest