Heart the Houses

In June 2016, the Mueller family, of Hermann, Missouri, was enjoying their favorite pastime. Mike and Michelle, along with daughters Elizabeth and Melanie, love to go on camping trips together. During a night of camping at Bennett Springs Park, Michelle suffered cardiac arrest. Fortunately, her husband Mike is an experienced EMT and administered CPR immediately, continuing until a first-responder arrived with an AED. Michelle was life-flighted to Springfield, and Bethany was delivered by emergency c-section 100 days before her due date. After Michelle recovered, she joined her family to stay in the Ronald McDonald House. While Bethany’s 98-day stay in the NICU was a roller coaster of hope, setbacks, joy and fear, having her family close helped her grow and strengthen. Being close allowed the family to help Bethany achieve vital milestones like learning to swallow and eat. Now, Bethany is a happy, active one-year old who enjoys giggling with her big sisters and camping trips with her family. Whether at home in Hermann, camping in a tent or during their summer at the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, together is the Mueller family’s favorite place to be.

Give Kids Like Bethany a Way to Stay Close to Their Families

For the Mueller family, Ronald McDonald House was better than home.  It kept their family together. It kept them close to Bethany, born 100 days premature. It allowed them to stay just steps away, instead of miles and hours away. It allowed the Mueller family to fully support Bethany as she developed and grew stronger, making her stay in the NICU shorter and smoother.

When our generous supporters Heart the Houses and Adopt a Room, they’re truly making the Ronald McDonald Houses possible for the Mueller family and thousands of other area families. Each year, more than 800 families find a community of comfort and hope at our two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield. By Adopting a Room in one or both of our Houses, you are keeping families of sick children close to each other and near the care and resources they need.