At RMHOC, the Ponce family was met with love of the purest kind.
The Ponce family found themselves at a crossroads when the mental health treatment they were seeking for their daughter could not be fulfilled in their small island town. Coming from Catalina Island, 22 miles off the coast of California, the Ponce family found it necessary to seek additional treatment for her on the mainland. Their daughter began a 10-week program, and while this treatment was just what they needed, they also worried about how they were going to come back and forth while also working and taking care of their other children. Then, they heard about Ronald McDonald House® Orange County.
Upon hearing about the House, mom and dad were skeptical about whether or not they’d be welcomed with open arms. Even so, the doors swung open to welcome them into RMHOC. While their daughter continued her program in the hospital, RMHOC provided them with everything they needed including meals, housing, workspaces, and many activities to help them take their minds off things.
But what stuck with the Ponce family the most were all the friendly faces they met along the way. Every day, they were greeted by RMHOC volunteers and families with smiles and heartwarming messages. The effect was palpable. “I remember my mom saying repeatedly, ‘I'm so grateful that we're here. This is such a nice house and there's so many loving and supportive people here,’” their daughter shared.
The Ponce family was wrapped in the warm embrace of RMHOC. Every day, they were treated with care and compassion from the other families and volunteers. Even now, the friends they made at RMHOC continue to make their impact, showering the Ponce family in never-ending love.
