"If it wasn’t for the time I spent with the kids of the RMH, I’m not sure I would have known what it meant to be brave. I think that makes me one of the lucky ones."

This week’s Marvelous Monday post features another exceptional volunteer, Jeff.  A common role for volunteers is “House warming.” House warmers help out in various ways, including preparing and serving lunch for students in our school, followed by then supervising during lunch and recess. Jeff began volunteering as a House warmer, helped with many special events and even became an ambassador in the community to tell others about our mission. Jeff was willing to help wherever and however he could. However, the job he enjoyed most was being with the kids at lunch and recess. After Jeff graduated from the University of Minnesota, he moved to New York City. As it turns out, we were never far from his thoughts.

Jeff writes:
"My Strange and Fortunate Life as the Jellyman...

2002; my first year as a student [living in Frontier Hall at the University of Minnesota] was an exciting time. Like most freshman, I was exploring a life far from home, meeting new friends and figuring out what I wanted to study. While this felt like the beginning of something great, I couldn’t help but be humbled each day as I walked the sidewalks around my dormitory and encountered the brave and adorable RMH children – many bald and most wearing medical masks on their way to and from the hospital. I soon learned these kids were living with their families at the Ronald McDonald House and undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia. Many were far from home and in the Twin Cities for a life-saving transplant or other complicated medical procedure. It was admittedly a dose of reality to see them on a routine walk to class.

Spring semester came and I decided to get involved. I couldn’t just walk past every day without feeling as if there was more to life than pursuing self-focused goals. It struck me how lucky I was that I was healthy and had enjoyed a full and happy childhood. It could easily have been me or someone I loved in their shoes. So, I started volunteering at the RMH between classes. Twice a week, I would do whatever I could to help out the staff: stocking food pantries, cleaning rooms or planning activities. It was rewarding, but I wondered what it would be like to work with the children. Then, I got my chance when I was asked if I would like to help with the school lunch hour.

I couldn’t have predicted how amazing it would be to interact with the siblings and often the patients themselves. Their energy, their optimism and their passion for life was inspiring. I would enter each volunteer shift worried about an exam or my ambiguous future and exit completely appreciative of the simplest things. One could say the perspective I gained working at the RMH truly set the foundation for me to be a better man…or at least a guy the kids would come to call “Jellyman.”

The story goes, one routine day, the students learned an important lesson from their talented teacher [Mrs. Britain] on alliteration – which is the literary term for repeating consonant sounds. Rowan – a young Egyptian girl was pointing at her classmates and providing them nicknames by applying the lesson. When she came to me, she declared proudly, “JELLY JEFF! JELLY JEFF!” Of course, there was a chorus of laughter among the group (which only finally faded when I brought out their lunch).

Shortly after, as I worked on cleaning the dishes, I heard a high-pitched endearing request echo toward me:

“Hey, Jellyman! Can you help me open my milk?” The boy responsible, seven-year-old Elijah, didn’t flinch in calling me Jellyman. In fact, he actually thought that was my name. And it stuck. From that day forward I was the Jellyman. (The moniker became such folklore that many RMH staff members to this day only know me by it). Years would pass and I would graduate and move to New York City to begin a new chapter…sadly parting ways with the RMH, but taking the Jellyman name with me.

Fast forward a few years into my life in Manhattan when I found myself confronting one strange symptom after another, which led me to the emergency room. Having experienced 27 years of a healthy life, I never could have predicted what would come of that trip to the hospital. To this day, the doctor’s words seem surreal. “Jeff, you have leukemia.”

I bet you didn’t see that coming. I know I didn’t. Life is rarely predictable and disease knows no bounds.

On my first day of radiation, I was parked in a wheelchair waiting for my turn in the treatment chamber. As I nervously anticipated being microwaved, a young boy (age 9) was parked next to me with his father. He had several days under his belt and was on-deck for another round. Yet somehow, he was still smiling ear to ear. His toothy grin immediately took me back to the kids of the RMH in Minneapolis. My mind drifted to the four years I spent volunteering. I realized in that moment, I had a built-in source of motivation for survival to tap into. I looked at the young boy and smiled back as they wheeled me in for my turn.

When I came out, despite feeling sick and struggling physically, I worked up a big smile for when he saw me. As he went passed I gave him a high five and declared, “You’re up buddy- you’ll do great." As I said the words, I knew I didn’t have to tell him. He was the tough one…just like each of the kids I had encountered at the RMH. Elijah, Rowan and so many others who had shown me what it meant to be brave. If they and their siblings could endure it, so could I.

In November, 2011 I underwent a successful stem cell transplant with my own hero. My older brother, Matt, was my donor. Today, at 29, I am proud to say I am a cancer survivor. If it wasn’t for the time I spent with the kids of the RMH, I’m not sure I would have known what it meant to be brave. I think that makes me one of the lucky ones." 



Volunteers are truly the heart of the House.



I remember thinking during my first day, “Wow, this is what school should be!”

This week’s Marvelous Monday features another one of our AMAZING volunteers. (April is volunteer appreciation month!) We are fortunate in that some of our volunteers are retired teachers. Their teaching expertise adds so much to the classroom. Ann taught kindergarten for many years and upon her retirement, offered to help us out during a particularly busy time in the classroom...seven years ago! 



Ann starts each week in the RMH school. 

Ann writes…….

 

     As a newly retired teacher, a classroom was the last place I expected to be spending my free time. I was invited to help out for a “short time” while the classroom was at capacity in the fall of 2005. Well, here I am 7 ½ years later. It’s been a pleasure to start my week each Monday with the Ronald McDonald House students, listening to their “Positrations” and being part of a warm, supportive community.

      I remember thinking during my first day, “Wow, this is what school should be!” This is the classroom model that professors promoted when I was in grad school: small student numbers, 1 to 1 support, each student learning at his or her own pace with time and opportunity to explore individual interests. It’s all there in the Ronald McDonald House School. I love watching the students of different ages and cultures interacting as they learn. Not only do these students (who have been yanked from home and school) keep up with their studies, they blossom and move ahead or conquer a skill that has challenged or frustrated them.

     All the Marvelous Monday posts highlight the classroom’s positive and supportive climate. Mrs. Britain and Mrs. Hoops set that tone at the beginning of each day with “Positrations." It helps us all – adults and children, look for and appreciate bright spots in our days. Mrs. Britain and Mrs. Hoops also use “Positrations” to help the students cope with incredibly difficult circumstances. For example, a student might share that a sibling had trouble breathing overnight and is back in the hospital. You can see the teachers process the information and then say something like: “Can I write down “The doctors are helping Sam breathe?" The student will nod and you can see his or her entire body relax.

     Volunteering in the classroom is fun! I was an elementary school teacher so interacting with teenagers has been a blast. They continue to educate me in academics and pop culture. Meeting children from all over the country and the world, I’ve learned about Argentina, Peru, Ireland, Senegal, India, Hawaii, ranching, surfing, hockey, hunting . . . And I love watching newbies experience Minnesota winters. Winter becomes a lot more tolerable when you get to watch kids play in their first snow.

     I’ve volunteered in many organizations and had a variety of experiences. I’d like to thank the staff of the Ronald McDonald House School and the entire organization for making my time in the classroom and around the House such a positive experience. I’ve felt welcomed, respected and appreciated.

Thank you, Ann. We are so grateful for your dedication to our RMH students and teachers. What an incredible impact you've had on our community. You know the saying" Teachers don't ever retire?" We're honored that in your case, it was true.

 

Classroom volunteers give our students the one-on-one attention necessary to help them thrive through a difficult time.

"For me, the school was more than a classroom. It was a life-changing experience."

This week’s Marvelous Monday post recognizes a former student, Mimi. In 2005, Mimi and her family came to Minnesota from Amman, Jordan for treatment for Mimi’s youngest brother, Ahmad. Ahmad battled an aggressive form of leukemia. Mimi participated in the summer activities program with her family, and then in September, she enrolled in school as an 11^th grader.

Mimi came to the RMH in 2005 for her brother's medical care. 

Mimi reflects on her time at RMH…

 

“The minute we entered the RMH we found the support, help, and love that we wouldn't have had anywhere else. When we discovered there was a school at the House, we were really surprised. For me, the school was more than a classroom. It was a life-changing experience. Since I come from the Middle East, my education was mainly in Arabic except for English language classes."

“At the RMH school, I was off to a good start on language skills, and in no time I was able to handle the normal curriculum for students my age. Without the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Cindy and the volunteers, it would not have been possible. The classroom environment helped me cope and kept my mind off what my family was going through. Even just a short break every day made a difference."

 “For a couple of hours each day, I was able to talk with people, learn new things and enjoy my time like other girls my age. At that time I was 16 years old. In the classroom, I found support on hard days. On good days, I found people to share my happiness and reason to celebrate. Mrs. Cindy always started our day on a positive note – sometimes asking a question, which helped me see the good things going on in my life. I would intentionally do things or go somewhere to have something good to say the following day in the classroom when Mrs. Cindy asked her question of the day. I had such a unique experience at the RMH school."

 “I’ll forever treasure the memories of the special people I met, the education and the memories. I recollect all and whenever the occasion rises, I tell people here in Jordan how kind, supportive and generous you were to us and everyone who entered the House. Despite the gravity of the situation, you made it so much easier for the families. The school was right down the stairs! You guys are amazing! I always think of volunteering and being able to give back part of the care, love and affection that you guys have given me and my family.”

Mimi has remained in contact, as many students do, with Mrs. Britain. After returning home to Jordan, Mimi completed secondary school and has now graduated from college and is working as an architect. Sadly, Mimi’s bother lost his battle with leukemia and while we mourn Ahmad’s passing, we celebrate her accomplishments and are so grateful that she and her family are forever part of our RMHC family.



Ahmad may have lost his battle, but he remains forever in our hearts.

Celebrating a Marvelous Monday recognizing Breanna's Gift

Six years ago, we partnered with Breanna's Gift – a fellow non-profit organization whose mission it is to bring smiles to the faces of children with cancer and other serious illnesses through the magic of the arts. The organization is named after Breanna – a little girl who loved to dance. In her honor, Breanna’s Gift brings the healing power of art to children battling critical illnesses. On Friday afternoons, teachers from this wonderful organization come to the House to offer dance and art classes. They provide the materials for the classes as well as tap shoes for each child to keep. The classes are open to all the children at the House – including patients and their siblings. At dance class, the students learn tap steps, practice movement exercises, and even learn exciting styles like Flamenco dancing. It’s something to see! The kids learn the steps as well as how to put it all together to create dance. After several weeks, the families and staff are treated to a dance recital.. It’s a boost for siblings to shine and recognized, and for patients to regain strength and feel the success of normal activities…the work of childhood. All of this is gained from the gift of a dance class.


Breanna's Gift brings dance and art to the House! 

Onto the art. Breanna’s Gift provides projects that vary from learning to create animals in pastel crayons, saori weaving, origami rockets and animals, or creating mini-books. Like dance, art classes are a special time for students to feel success, the delight of one-on-one attention, the pride of learning a new skill, and the joy of creating. In addition to the weekly classes, Breanna's Gift provides workshops, which are 3-5 days long, both during the school year and over the summer months. The workshops provide a unique opportunity for kids. It’s an intensive time to create and work together.

 

Founder and Executive Director, Masha Ovitz, shares her thoughts about all the gifts this program brings to the students – particularly the workshops. “Since 2007, we have been privileged to bring our dance, art classes and workshops to the Ronald McDonald House kids and their families. From the beginning, each opportunity to work with kids has been special. Some of our most memorable projects have been when everyone has come together for our special workshops. The first of these Breanna's Gift projects was a mosaic workshop led by artist, Lori Greene. The children and their families worked to create a Tree of Life piece in honor of the Ronald McDonald House's 30th anniversary in the Twin Cities community. Because it is on permanent display, everyone can stop, look, enjoy and remember. Drama camps with our guest artist, Annie McNaughton, have the children making their own costumes and scenery and performing portions of plays such as The Sound of Music and Annie. We tried getting Jerry to join us, but he was not interested in the applause or the encores! Margo McCreary's annual puppet workshops where the puppets are created and come to life in their own puppet theater are so much fun. The story lines the children develop are always a surprise. No one knows where they will take us, but it's about the journey, right? Thank you, Ronald McDonald House! The energy, the joy and the smiles are the gifts that we take with us. It's such an honor to work with the children, their families and the staff.”

How amazing is that?! Dance and art offer so much to RMH kids. Thank you for your partnership, Breanna's gift! Thank you for this priceless gift. To learn more about Breanna's Gift, visit www.breannasgift.org. 

The Whole Year!

In today’s Marvelous Monday post celebrating our school, we’re excited to feature another student! A handful of times over the past 15 years, students have been enrolled with us for the entire school year. Although it is uncommon, it is not unexpected due to the extreme medical conditions that bring families to stay with us. At the Ronald McDonald House on Oak Street, the average length of stay is longer than any other Ronald McDonald House in the world!

Alyssa’s family lived at the RMH for 219 nights. Alyssa’s younger sister, Gracie, was born with Down Syndrome and the first years of her life were occupied by many medical complications. During Alyssa’s time with us, she was involved in many House activities. Every Monday night was Nintendo Wii time. Alyssa and her RMH friend, Ky,  loved to dance! They would boogie the night away competing with other kids and our staff. Katy could keep up...Persis not so much! During the winter, school recess is either in the gym or the game room. There is a fabulous Dance Dance Revolution game in the game room which Alyssa mastered. Her feet never missed a step! Alyssa also participated in one of our Sibling Camps at Faith’s Lodge. This is a 3-day trip specifically for the siblings of patients. Time is spent having fun, feeling special, having adventures and celebrating the wonderful job siblings do. 

Alyssa (currently back home in North Dakota and in the 4th grade) shares:

Alyssa and her family lived at the RMH for over 200 nights. 

I have so many memories of going to school at the Ronald McDonald House! I spent my entire first grade year at the Ronald McDonald House School! I loved that I was able to go to school and still be close to my family. Our classroom was set up just like any other classroom; the only difference was there were all different aged kids. It was a one-room school house just like on “Little House on the Prairie!”  I loved Mrs. Britain! She always made me feel special and gives great hugs! Mrs. Hoops always had a warm smile on her face and that really encouraged me. It was so nice to be able to go to school with other kids who had sick brothers and sisters, or were patients themselves. We all understood how hard it was. I loved Persis [Director of Family Services] because she gave me Beads of Courage and always took the time to see if I was alright and to check on Gracie. We got to do some super neat activities in school. I especially liked Wordily Wise, Positrations, Jerry coming to school, and our many field trips. I learned so much! I loved lunch too. We had great food and the volunteers were so nice to us. Our classroom was like a big family. Together we celebrated the happy times, the scary times and the sad times. Towards the end of the year, I was the only student left. Mrs. Britain, Mrs. Hoops and Persis made me feel extra special and always gave me the hope that one day I would be able to return home."

Alyssa (4^th grade | Age 10)

North Dakota

What an incredible perspective! Thank you, Alyssa, for sharing with us! Thank you for being a great kid, a great student, a great dancer and a great big sister! And guess what? Alyssa is a big sister again! In December, her family welcomed another baby girl!

Reading is FUNdamental

We love every subject covered in our school! However, reading and language concepts are a primary focus. Our teacher, Mrs. Britain, hopes every student develops a love of reading. Mrs. B knows a love of reading is attributed to a solid foundation in a student’s educational foundation! In addition, Mrs. B understands the benefit of reading and being swept away by imagination. For many RMH students facing stressful daily realities, being transported to another place for a little while is a tremendous gift. Reading also introduces our students to role models who encounter challenges and difficult circumstances and find ways to endure, thrive and grow through trials.

Volunteers from Capella University help us celebrate 15 years of serving students at the RMH!

In our classroom, reading happens all day! There is time when volunteers read aloud to students and there is time when students read aloud to one another, or to teachers or volunteers. Students also select their own books for quiet-time reading. To see our classroom full of kids cuddled up with their books makes us truly happy.

Each month, the classroom breaks for “Reading Club.” This time is designed as a special out-of -classroom, partner reading time for each student with an adult volunteer. The purpose is for students to share time with an adult, which will encourage the student both as a reader and as a special child who is cared for and valued. Volunteer groups sign up to come to the House, read with the students for 30 minutes and then have lunch and recess with us. Volunteers provide the books as well as lunch. It’s a unique and special volunteer opportunity that has a lasting impact. Book Club days are special for so many reasons. Thank you to our wonderful volunteer groups for giving the gift of reading to our students. To learn more about this awesome opportunity, email Carynn Roehrick | carynn@rmhc-um.org.

 

Marvelous Monday, Featuring Julie & Hope

Today's Marvelous Monday post celebrates two amazing volunteers. Oftentimes, we share stories about the friendships children and families find at the Ronald McDonald House. Today, we're sharing and celebrating the friendship two volunteers found.


Julie and Hope have volunteered in our school for six years.

Six years ago, Julie and Hope met as "Thursday morning" volunteers in our school. Because each of our students has an individual curriculum, most of the teaching is done on a one-to-one basis. Our teacher, Mrs. Britain, plans the curriculum and teaches the concepts,  then students are paired with volunteers to complete their work. As you can imagine, we need a lot of help! Most mornings and afternoons, we have at least 2 volunteers in the classroom. Julie and Hope have been devoted volunteers. They've added shifts when there are higher numbers of students in  school and are flexible with taking on other tasks when the numbers in the classroom go down. They have supervised recess, added and multiplied, spelled and read (and read and read). Through their volunteer experience, they have become lifelong friends.  

(Julie and Hope write)
For six years, the two of us have met every Thursday in the Ronald McDonald House classroom. We have been blessed to meet children from all over the country and all over the world. With ages ranging from 5-15, we have experienced life in the classroom from the eyes of all grade levels. The common thread, however, is the intense need for love and community. It has been an honor for us to meet in a place where the values are so real and important. The kids are amazing, and though their lives are difficult and their days unpredictable, they learn to cope and rise to the occasion of what is expected of them at school. We have learned more from these students than anything we could have taught them. It is a true pleasure to volunteer in the school.

Thank you, Julie and Hope, for your heartfelt service to children in need. You are truly marvelous!