Ronald McDonald House

[admin]

Hi,
Has anyone stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in New Jersey? What was your experience like there? Is it just like a hotel? How would you rate? Thanks, I appreciate any comments.

[katep]

we loved it.

As for accomodations, it depends on the room you get, but its more like staying in someone's guest room than really a hotel. There are no TVs in the room (but plenty of communal space to watch TV) and the rooms range a bit as to what you get. It is comfortable.

As for atmosphere, it depends on what you want, how much "hanging out" you do, and how much you want to get into the social aspect of staying there. It was almost like a vacation for me when I went alone with Joshua last time, because every night some group or another cooks dinner for everyone staying there, and you all eat together in the dining room. It was *much* easier and relaxing than if I'd stayed at a hotel with just me and Joshua - didn't have to cook and was driven everywhere If you socialize at the house you'll also probably meet other people going to Shriners, which is nice because then you have contacts when you are at the hospital, too. It just made the whole experience much more "familiar" and friendly.

I loved it, and will hopefully stay again when we go back in March/April since I will again be on my own for the trip.

Kate

[m&mmom]

Kate-
Our appointment with Kozin is March 29th - maybe we'll get to meet!!

Cindy

[Tanner's Mom]

We loved it too! Honestly, it is not in the greatest neighborhood, but the McDonald House is very secure and safe. We have had VERY positive experiences on our three visits and would stay there again and again. You don't have to worry about food and the are kids have a blast together with all the stuff to do. Plus we connected with other parents on each visit and that is always special too. We have always rented a car, so we never dealt with the shuttle that transports you to and from Shriners, so I can't offer feedback on that. Overall, I think you will be quite pleased if you stay there. We truly considered it a blessing and I actually got teary when I first walked in....a very warm, welcoming and child-friendly place to be!

Lisa

[Samsmom]

Thanks for all your comments. We will be there on February 19th through the 22nd. I look forward to a new experience.

[AZmommy]

Hi Samsmom,

Are you going to be there to see Dr. Kozin? We will be in Philly 2/19 - 2/23 for our daughter's nerve surgery with Dr. Kozin.

[admin]

The one in Camden! My daughter and I stayed there for 10 days. We totally loved it! Made a bunch of friends for life. We stayed in the room that was decorated like a zoo... We had our own car there, but we choose the transportation provided. It was just wonderful to walk into a place where EVERYONE understood my kids injury and my life...

The management and the volunteers were just wonderful..... Meals were super easy, everything shared... and I loved the fact that parents picked up the slack for each other. One morning, I discovered that one parent had set out breakfast for my kid. The parents there were just so plainly unselfish and understanding. ....

[jamielane]

This was just a wonderful post to read, we will be staying at the Camden house when we go back for Carson's cast removal in late April. I was nervous and just didn't know what to expect. I feel so much better now!

Jamie

[momofnickelman]

It is too sad that the Houston Texas Ronald McDonald House will not let Brachial Plexus kids and families stay there. We were told only kids with life threating issues stay. This sounds like the kind of support our BPI familes need. I wonder if we could change their thinking in Houston?