02 Jul Heart the Houses
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Twenty-five weeks. That’s how long Jessica Wagner, of Ash Grove, Missouri, had been pregnant when she started experiencing symptoms of labor. At first, Jessica thought nothing of it, turning her attention to her students instead. There was a planned masking protest at the elementary school where she serves as principal, and her first thought was to be there for the children—supervise the protest and ensure all who wished had the opportunity to speak. She was still feeling off a few hours later, though, and made the decision to call her husband, Tyson, and let him know they needed to visit Labor and Delivery.
Everything happened fast. It was 5:30 in the afternoon on December 10, 2021 when the Wagners visited Labor and Delivery. By 9:30 that night, their son, Cole, was ready to make his debut. Jessica underwent an emergency C-section, leaving Tyson to start making phone calls.
It was the beginning of a long four months for the new family. The first time Jessica saw her son, he was in an incubator. He weighed one pound and fifteen ounces and could fit in the palm of his mother’s hands. Despite their fear and uncertainty, Jessica and Tyson remained strong. Cole’s early arrival hadn’t been planned, but doctors still believed he was going to be fine…even though the road ahead was long. Cole was a micro preemie and would spend the first four months of his life at the hospital, with his parents a few steps away as the newest residents of the Ronald McDonald House.
“They went out of their way to make us feel at home right from the start,” Jessica Wagner remembers.
“We spent the first night in a really lovely room, but when they realized we were likely to be here for a few months, they asked if we would like to move into a room with a window. It became the Wagner Room.”
There were a number of complications and setbacks for both Cole and his parents, including a COVID diagnosis that prevented Dad from seeing his son for a week, and Mom for fourteen days. Neither parent was able to even hold Cole until a full month had passed. In the meantime, both had work obligations demanding their attention. The staff and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House worked with Jessica to help her establish her “office-away-from-work” as she affectionately called it. Even , though the school had arranged a substitute, there were aspects of the job only the principal could truly handle. Jessica was able to comfortably work while knowing her son was just a five-minute walk away.
The opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House was a saving grace for the Wagners. Cole ended up needing seven brain surgeries over the course of their stay, a terrifying prospect for any parent. Because of the House, they were within easy reach around the clock, and, they had a private place where they could let themselves experience the fear and uncertainty they lived with every day. They didn’t have to worry about meals or the anxiety of piecing together a schedule where they could see their son while also working to provide for him. By the time their 129-night stay came to an end, they felt they were leaving home to go home.
When You Heart the Houses, You Help Families Like the Wagners Stay Close.
When our generous supporters “Heart the Houses” and Adopt a Room, they make the Ronald McDonald Houses possible for the Wagner family and thousands of other area families.
During a typical year, more than 800 families find a community of comfort and hope at our two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield. By Adopting a Room for 2023 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.
The Heart the Houses Campaign is Presented By
How to Heart the Houses
How to Heart the Houses
The “Adopt A Room” Program is a great way for you, your company or organization to Heart the Houses. With your gift, you will become a Ronald McDonald House Annual Room Sponsor and your name will be displayed on a special plaque near or within the room. Simply click here to donate online to our Heart the House campaign. You can also call 417-875-3505 to make a donation over the phone.
Below, you can find out more information about adoptable rooms at both the Ronald McDonald House Near Cox South and the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids.
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids Room Layout
Ronald McDonald House Near Cox South Room Layout
This Year's Donors
Heart the Houses Donors
Presenting Sponsor – American National Insurance
Ronald McDonald House near Cox South
| Family Room: | Corwin Automotive – Six Months |
| Living Room: | |
| Playroom: | BluCurrent – One Quarter; Doug & Sonya Hayter – One Month; Carl Ledgerwood, in memory of Neal (Gene) & Norma Lee Ledgerwood – One Month |
| Kitchen: | |
| Dining Room #1: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Dining Room #2: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Family Living Center: | |
| Office for Volunteers & Staff: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in memory of John N. Fillyaw – One Year |
| Family Care Managers’ Quarters: | Donna Powers – One Quarter |
| Main Entryway: | Central Bank / Central Trust – One Year |
| Laundry Room #1: | The Dover Family – One Year |
| Laundry Room #2: | Brian & Stevie Coleman, in honor of Morgan, Beckett & Amelia Spoor – One Year |
| Bedroom 101: | Dennis Budd – One Month; Amy Grubaugh – One Month; Bonnie Atteberry – One Month; Larry & Eileen Meinsen – One Month; Cy & Tricia Murray, in honor of Jerrod & Maggie Transeau Family – One Quarter; Trinity Housing Development – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 102: | |
| Bedroom 103: | Robert & Suzanne Israel, in memory of Ralph & Dulcie Israel, Paul & Lois Campbell, Jack W. Israel, Ed Israel & Little Eddie Israel – One Quarter; Mary Rummel, in honor of Bob & Marlene Mareth – Two Months |
| Bedroom 104: | Robert & Suzanne Israel, in memory of Ralph & Dulcie Israel, Paul & Lois Campbell, Jack W. Israel, Ed Israel & Little Eddie Israel – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 105: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 201: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 202: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 203: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 204: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 205: | Ronnie & Donna Ward, in honor of Lilly & Lucy Newberry – One Year |
| Bedroom 206: | |
| Bedroom 207: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in honor of their grandchildren – Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Madeline & Madison – One Year |
| Bedroom 208: | Roush & Trantham Families, in memory of Shelby Dawn Roush – One Year |
| Bedroom 209: |
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids
| Living Room: | Corwin Automotive – Six Months |
| Kitchen: | American Glass & Aluminum – One Year |
| Dining Room: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Playroom: | Dr. Marla J. Floyd – One Month; Bob & Debbie Williams – One Month |
| Family Care Managers’ Quarters: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Office for Volunteers & Staff: | |
| Main Entryway: | |
| Gathering Room: | Stuart & Christy Scott – One Year |
| Laundry Center: | Trailiner Corporation – One Year |
| Computer Nook: | |
| Family Locker Room: | |
| Bedroom 101: | Dennis Budd – One Month; Monte & Kara Maska – One Month; Frank & Karin Driscoll, in memory of Christopher Driscoll – One Month; Bonnie Atteberry – One Month; Pete Sumners & Melissa Bilyeu, in memory of E.B. & Sammie Sumners & Johnny Bilyeu – One Month; Sandra (Cookie) Witt – One Month; Melissa Blankenship, in memory of Beverly Shields – One Quarter; Jonathan Smith – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 102: | David & Stacey O’Reilly – One Year |
| Bedroom 103: | Wesson Foster – One Month |
| Bedroom 104: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in honor of their grandchildren – Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Madeline & Madison – One Year |
| Bedroom 105: | Ronnie & Donna Ward, in honor of Lilly & Lucy Newberry – One Year |
| Bedroom 106: | |
| Bedroom 107: | |
| Bedroom 108: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 109: | |
| Bedroom 110: | Special Guardian Angels, in memory of Reese Wilson – One Year |
Supporting Contributors
| Sean & Cindy Balisle | Don & Mary Cupps, in memory of Steve & Beverley Barnes |
| Verl & Nina Strong | Roy A Cash, in honor of Zoey & Eli LaNore |
| Susan Foster, in honor of Elaine Foster | Tom & Pat Taylor |
| Irma McCaskill, in memory of David Farnum | Judith Johnson |
| Amanda Cogdill | Lester Bouzek |
| Michelle & Tracey Farris, in honor of Baby Cole Wagner and memory of Frank Patrick Farris | Colene Moore |
| Kelley & Nancy McKenzie | Rich & Stacey Otte |
| Bruce & Patti Moore | James & Betty Gordon |
| Mark Ringenberg | Jeff Dimmitt |
| John Nipper | Robert Hood |
| Julie Clark | Lamont & Darlene Swanson |
| Arthur & Becky Farris | Denise Koechner, in honor of Cole Wagner |
| Tammie D. Owens | Gale & Becky Edwards |
| Pamela Gautreaux, in memory of Joanie Smith | Allison Casper |
| Abacus CPAs | Zella McGettrick, in memory of John H. Darnold |
| Kevin & Gina Little | David & Lin Kelch |
| Phil & Valarie Hutchens Family Fund | Michael Cochran |
| Frank & Patti Harris | Ivan & Mindy Munoz |
| Judy Kay | Don & Rosalind Wagner, in honor of Cole Wagner |
| Carl A. Wilson | Lynn Burk |
| Peter & Marissa Connolly | Marilyn Howerton |
| Phoebe Cleir | Robert & Alice Lunn |
| David & Donna Williams | Rex & Becky Holman |
| Patricia Benoist, in honor of The Copley Family | Michelle McCoy |
| Cory & Brittany Smith | Brandon & Hillary West |
Contributors
| Bob & Carolyn Bumberry | Dennis & Sharon Gillham, in memory of Reiley Osterhoudt |
| Gary & Sara McCrackin, in honor of Jacob McCrackin | Connie Stokes |
| Maxine Brown, in honor of Terri Tombridge | Susie Wallace |
| Mary Muller | Kim Springer, in honor of baby Cole Wagner and in memory of Frank Patrick Farris |
| Pat & Fran Gorman | Gena Vick |
| Cecil & Katherine Wormington, in honor of Connor Smith | Nicole Moody |
| Velma Ann Fotorny, in memory of the England Grandchildren | Joe & Janet Harris, in memory of Willard Hand |
| Nancy Wright, in honor of Elliott Vaughn Wright | Rick & Sandy Mueller, in honor of Bethany Mueller |
| Ron & Donna Jenkins, in honor of Gary & Lynne Ludlam & Family | Jo McAlister, in memory of Porky, Bo & Gary McAlister |
| Joe & Eloise Dyche | Angie Wormington |
| Sandra Stewart | Kenneth & Susanne Miller |
| Kim Green | Diana Cowan |
| Barbara Otwell | Diane Findley |
| Brad & Julie Squires | Martha Young, in memory of Sharon Susan Walker |
| Gary & Dale Keltz, in memory of Daniel Kinnard |
Twenty-five weeks. That’s how long Jessica Wagner, of Ash Grove, Missouri, had been pregnant when she started experiencing symptoms of labor. At first, Jessica thought nothing of it, turning her attention to her students instead. There was a planned masking protest at the elementary school where she serves as principal, and her first thought was to be there for the children—supervise the protest and ensure all who wished had the opportunity to speak. She was still feeling off a few hours later, though, and made the decision to call her husband, Tyson, and let him know they needed to visit Labor and Delivery.
Everything happened fast. It was 5:30 in the afternoon on December 10, 2021 when the Wagners visited Labor and Delivery. By 9:30 that night, their son, Cole, was ready to make his debut. Jessica underwent an emergency C-section, leaving Tyson to start making phone calls.
It was the beginning of a long four months for the new family. The first time Jessica saw her son, he was in an incubator. He weighed one pound and fifteen ounces and could fit in the palm of his mother’s hands. Despite their fear and uncertainty, Jessica and Tyson remained strong. Cole’s early arrival hadn’t been planned, but doctors still believed he was going to be fine…even though the road ahead was long. Cole was a micro preemie and would spend the first four months of his life at the hospital, with his parents a few steps away as the newest residents of the Ronald McDonald House.
“They went out of their way to make us feel at home right from the start,” Jessica Wagner remembers.
“We spent the first night in a really lovely room, but when they realized we were likely to be here for a few months, they asked if we would like to move into a room with a window. It became the Wagner Room.”
There were a number of complications and setbacks for both Cole and his parents, including a COVID diagnosis that prevented Dad from seeing his son for a week, and Mom for fourteen days. Neither parent was able to even hold Cole until a full month had passed. In the meantime, both had work obligations demanding their attention. The staff and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House worked with Jessica to help her establish her “office-away-from-work” as she affectionately called it. Even , though the school had arranged a substitute, there were aspects of the job only the principal could truly handle. Jessica was able to comfortably work while knowing her son was just a five-minute walk away.
The opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House was a saving grace for the Wagners. Cole ended up needing seven brain surgeries over the course of their stay, a terrifying prospect for any parent. Because of the House, they were within easy reach around the clock, and, they had a private place where they could let themselves experience the fear and uncertainty they lived with every day. They didn’t have to worry about meals or the anxiety of piecing together a schedule where they could see their son while also working to provide for him. By the time their 129-night stay came to an end, they felt they were leaving home to go home.
When You Heart the Houses, You Help Families Like the Wagners Stay Close.
When our generous supporters “Heart the Houses” and Adopt a Room, they make the Ronald McDonald Houses possible for the Wagner family and thousands of other area families.
During a typical year, more than 800 families find a community of comfort and hope at our two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield. By Adopting a Room for 2023 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.
The Heart the Houses Campaign is Presented By
How to Heart the Houses
The “Adopt A Room” Program is a great way for you, your company or organization to Heart the Houses. With your gift, you will become a Ronald McDonald House Annual Room Sponsor and your name will be displayed on a special plaque near or within the room. Simply click here to donate online to our Heart the House campaign. You can also call 417-875-3505 to make a donation over the phone.
Below, you can find out more information about adoptable rooms at both the Ronald McDonald House Near Cox South and the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids.
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids Room Layout
Ronald McDonald House Near Cox South Room Layout
Heart the Houses Donors
Presenting Sponsor – American National Insurance
Ronald McDonald House near Cox South
| Family Room: | Corwin Automotive – Six Months |
| Living Room: | |
| Playroom: | BluCurrent – One Quarter; Doug & Sonya Hayter – One Month; Carl Ledgerwood, in memory of Neal (Gene) & Norma Lee Ledgerwood – One Month |
| Kitchen: | |
| Dining Room #1: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Dining Room #2: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Family Living Center: | |
| Office for Volunteers & Staff: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in memory of John N. Fillyaw – One Year |
| Family Care Managers’ Quarters: | Donna Powers – One Quarter |
| Main Entryway: | Central Bank / Central Trust – One Year |
| Laundry Room #1: | The Dover Family – One Year |
| Laundry Room #2: | Brian & Stevie Coleman, in honor of Morgan, Beckett & Amelia Spoor – One Year |
| Bedroom 101: | Dennis Budd – One Month; Amy Grubaugh – One Month; Bonnie Atteberry – One Month; Larry & Eileen Meinsen – One Month; Cy & Tricia Murray, in honor of Jerrod & Maggie Transeau Family – One Quarter; Trinity Housing Development – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 102: | |
| Bedroom 103: | Robert & Suzanne Israel, in memory of Ralph & Dulcie Israel, Paul & Lois Campbell, Jack W. Israel, Ed Israel & Little Eddie Israel – One Quarter; Mary Rummel, in honor of Bob & Marlene Mareth – Two Months |
| Bedroom 104: | Robert & Suzanne Israel, in memory of Ralph & Dulcie Israel, Paul & Lois Campbell, Jack W. Israel, Ed Israel & Little Eddie Israel – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 105: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 201: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 202: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 203: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 204: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 205: | Ronnie & Donna Ward, in honor of Lilly & Lucy Newberry – One Year |
| Bedroom 206: | |
| Bedroom 207: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in honor of their grandchildren – Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Madeline & Madison – One Year |
| Bedroom 208: | Roush & Trantham Families, in memory of Shelby Dawn Roush – One Year |
| Bedroom 209: |
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids
| Living Room: | Corwin Automotive – Six Months |
| Kitchen: | American Glass & Aluminum – One Year |
| Dining Room: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Playroom: | Dr. Marla J. Floyd – One Month; Bob & Debbie Williams – One Month |
| Family Care Managers’ Quarters: | A Special Guardian Angel, in memory of John W. (Jack) Henry – One Year |
| Office for Volunteers & Staff: | |
| Main Entryway: | |
| Gathering Room: | Stuart & Christy Scott – One Year |
| Laundry Center: | Trailiner Corporation – One Year |
| Computer Nook: | |
| Family Locker Room: | |
| Bedroom 101: | Dennis Budd – One Month; Monte & Kara Maska – One Month; Frank & Karin Driscoll, in memory of Christopher Driscoll – One Month; Bonnie Atteberry – One Month; Pete Sumners & Melissa Bilyeu, in memory of E.B. & Sammie Sumners & Johnny Bilyeu – One Month; Sandra (Cookie) Witt – One Month; Melissa Blankenship, in memory of Beverly Shields – One Quarter; Jonathan Smith – One Quarter |
| Bedroom 102: | David & Stacey O’Reilly – One Year |
| Bedroom 103: | Wesson Foster – One Month |
| Bedroom 104: | Gayden & Cathy Wilkins, in honor of their grandchildren – Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Madeline & Madison – One Year |
| Bedroom 105: | Ronnie & Donna Ward, in honor of Lilly & Lucy Newberry – One Year |
| Bedroom 106: | |
| Bedroom 107: | |
| Bedroom 108: | A Special Guardian Angel – One Year |
| Bedroom 109: | |
| Bedroom 110: | Special Guardian Angels, in memory of Reese Wilson – One Year |
Supporting Contributors
| Sean & Cindy Balisle | Don & Mary Cupps, in memory of Steve & Beverley Barnes |
| Verl & Nina Strong | Roy A Cash, in honor of Zoey & Eli LaNore |
| Susan Foster, in honor of Elaine Foster | Tom & Pat Taylor |
| Irma McCaskill, in memory of David Farnum | Judith Johnson |
| Amanda Cogdill | Lester Bouzek |
| Michelle & Tracey Farris, in honor of Baby Cole Wagner and memory of Frank Patrick Farris | Colene Moore |
| Kelley & Nancy McKenzie | Rich & Stacey Otte |
| Bruce & Patti Moore | James & Betty Gordon |
| Mark Ringenberg | Jeff Dimmitt |
| John Nipper | Robert Hood |
| Julie Clark | Lamont & Darlene Swanson |
| Arthur & Becky Farris | Denise Koechner, in honor of Cole Wagner |
| Tammie D. Owens | Gale & Becky Edwards |
| Pamela Gautreaux, in memory of Joanie Smith | Allison Casper |
| Abacus CPAs | Zella McGettrick, in memory of John H. Darnold |
| Kevin & Gina Little | David & Lin Kelch |
| Phil & Valarie Hutchens Family Fund | Michael Cochran |
| Frank & Patti Harris | Ivan & Mindy Munoz |
| Judy Kay | Don & Rosalind Wagner, in honor of Cole Wagner |
| Carl A. Wilson | Lynn Burk |
| Peter & Marissa Connolly | Marilyn Howerton |
| Phoebe Cleir | Robert & Alice Lunn |
| David & Donna Williams | Rex & Becky Holman |
| Patricia Benoist, in honor of The Copley Family | Michelle McCoy |
| Cory & Brittany Smith | Brandon & Hillary West |
Contributors
| Bob & Carolyn Bumberry | Dennis & Sharon Gillham, in memory of Reiley Osterhoudt |
| Gary & Sara McCrackin, in honor of Jacob McCrackin | Connie Stokes |
| Maxine Brown, in honor of Terri Tombridge | Susie Wallace |
| Mary Muller | Kim Springer, in honor of baby Cole Wagner and in memory of Frank Patrick Farris |
| Pat & Fran Gorman | Gena Vick |
| Cecil & Katherine Wormington, in honor of Connor Smith | Nicole Moody |
| Velma Ann Fotorny, in memory of the England Grandchildren | Joe & Janet Harris, in memory of Willard Hand |
| Nancy Wright, in honor of Elliott Vaughn Wright | Rick & Sandy Mueller, in honor of Bethany Mueller |
| Ron & Donna Jenkins, in honor of Gary & Lynne Ludlam & Family | Jo McAlister, in memory of Porky, Bo & Gary McAlister |
| Joe & Eloise Dyche | Angie Wormington |
| Sandra Stewart | Kenneth & Susanne Miller |
| Kim Green | Diana Cowan |
| Barbara Otwell | Diane Findley |
| Brad & Julie Squires | Martha Young, in memory of Sharon Susan Walker |
| Gary & Dale Keltz, in memory of Daniel Kinnard |
