Caring for families during a medical crisis is at the heart of what Ronald McDonald House Charities® Piedmont Triad does every day. But it’s mothers like Hannah who show what real strength looks like.

Hannah and her two daughters came to Ronald McDonald House from the Asheville area. Hannah was navigating a growing concern: her infant daughter Belle was in distress.

A Mother’s Determination to Find Answers

When Belle was just two months old, she began having severe, unexplained screaming fits. These episodes sometimes lasted for days. Hannah, a single mom, searched everywhere for answers.

First, she visited local doctors. Then, she drove to specialists. She made every appointment work, managing travel, expenses, and caring for two small children. But Belle’s symptoms continued.

Eventually, their journey brought them to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem. There, a doctor mentioned Ronald McDonald House.

The staff and volunteers welcomed her with warmth and understanding. “I could smell dinner cooking. The room was so comfortable. When they showed us where we’d be staying, I felt this huge weight lift off my shoulders.” That night, she tucked her children into bed and knew she’d found the support she needed.

Caring for Families Goes Beyond Medical Needs

For Hannah, the support she received was more than just practical; it was deeply personal.

“We’ve stayed at Ronald McDonald House for 33 nights,” she explained. “That’s 33 dinners I didn’t have to worry about, 33 nights where my girls were safe and comfortable.”

Ronald McDonald House not only supported Belle during medical visits, but also helped Hannah’s older daughter, Hayden, feel seen and included. Staff and volunteers remembered her by name. Special events like Monday night BINGO offered light-hearted moments and emotional relief.

“They didn’t just care about Belle, the patient,” Hannah shared. “They cared about all of us.”

Creating Space for Healing

Even on the hardest days, Hannah kept showing up for her daughters. She credits Ronald McDonald House with helping her stay focused on Belle’s care, especially during uncertain times.

For example, during the holidays, the Ronald McDonald House provided extra support that brought joy and relief to the family. The House offered help when travel expenses made it hard to provide gifts and meals. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, they offered the family lodging until power was restored, so Belle would have continued access to the medical equipment she needed.

“They’ve helped me when I didn’t know the next steps,” Hannah said. “They’ve listened when I cried and helped me find solutions when I couldn’t think straight.”

Although Belle’s diagnosis journey isn’t over yet, Hannah continues to stay strong. She makes the long drive to Winston-Salem for follow-up appointments, knowing the House will be there.

Why This Support Matters

Caring for families like Hannah’s takes more than one organization: it takes a community.

Ronald McDonald House Piedmont Triad provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. These services include:

· Lodging for families whose children are receiving treatment nearby

· Hot meals, laundry facilities, and comfort items provided by volunteers

· Emotional support and a community of families experiencing similar struggles

Most importantly, families never receive a bill. Generous donors and volunteers make every night, every meal, and every moment of care possible.

“If I had to stay in a hotel, 33 nights would have cost over $3,500,” Hannah explained. “That doesn’t even include food or gas. I truly don’t know how we would have managed.”

Help Support More Families Like Hannah’s

Hannah’s story is a reminder that mothers are incredibly resilient, and that small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

Caring for families means helping moms like Hannah stay close to their children when it matters most. You can help by donating, volunteering, or even rounding up your change at

McDonald’s to support Ronald McDonald House Piedmont Triad. Every small act adds up to something big.

Because when we care for families, we strengthen them, and together we ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

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