2023 Heart the Houses Campaign

When you “Heart the Houses”, You Help Families Like the Wilsons Stay Close. To hear more about

their story, visit HearttheHouses.org

Make your donation today!

Scan QR Code Online at HearttheHouses.org

By Phone at 417-875-3505

By Mail (Response Card and Envelope enclosed)

When our generous supporters “Heart the Houses” and Adopt a Room, they make the Ronald McDonald Houses possible for the Wilson family and thousands of other area families. Each year, more than 500 families find a community of comfort and hope at our two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield. By Adopting a Room for 2024 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 2023 Heart the Houses Campaign is Presented by

A Portrait OF

Strength

THE WILSON FAMILY:

Avaleigh Wilson

A Journey of Hope

is less than a year old, but she has already defied more odds than most people face in a lifetime. Her story starts with parents, Aundrea and Josh, who were doing everything they could to keep from becoming pregnant again. They had already suffered the pain of a child not surviving a premature birth. Silas, born at 22 weeks and 6 days, came into this world in 2020 only to leave it while being held by his grief-stricken mother.

Shaken by the experience and uncertain whether Aundrea could safely survive a pregnancy, they took precautions. Avaleigh, however, was determined to make her mark upon the world. Aundrea discovered she was pregnant and she and Josh began making preparations, and saying prayers that this time that this time would be different.

At first, it seemed history was doomed to repeat itself. At 24 weeks, Aundrea felt a sudden pain and understood that she and her unborn child needed immediate medical attention. Living in West Plains, they had to come to Springfield to find a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to give their daughter a fighting chance. After her mother was med-flighted to Cox South Hospital, Avaleigh made her entrance into the world, weighing only 1 lb 7 oz and measuring 12 inches long. Her fight was only getting started.

AT THE RONALD MCDONALD Avaleigh's early days were fraught with life-threatening challenges. She endured a stage 2 brain bleed, vision problems, and severe lung complications. The Wilsons' world revolved HOUSE around their daughter's fight for survival.

The Ronald McDonald House was a lifeline that allowed Aundrea and Josh to focus on Avaleigh's fight without the burden of worrying about where to stay. Finding short-term rentals was challenging, especially without knowing how long they would need one. Staying in motels or hotels would have been financially overwhelming, especially during a period already mired in uncertainty. A nurse mentioned the Ronald McDonald House as a possibility for what would turn out to be a nearly four-month stay. Aundrea was familiar with the

Ronald McDonald House—she had volunteered in high school at the very House she and Josh called home for 111 days. Giving more than you receive had always been a core belief for Aundrea, and now she was on the receiving end of that charity’s kindness.

“The Ronald McDonald House becomes home,” said Josh Wilson. “It might not feel like it when you first walk through the doors—scared and stressed and reeling from the dramatic, unexpected turn your life has taken—but having a place that is entirely yours, where others can worry about things like food and laundry for you, empowering you to focus on your child, is absolutely everything.” Aundrea and Josh got to know the staff and formed connections with fellow residents that went beyond the shared struggle of having a child in the NICU. The House provided them with a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

A place where they could recover from the stresses of Avaleigh’s struggle.

Despite the challenges they faced, the Wilsons found ways to give back, from preparing meals to helping set up the Christmas display. They celebrated numerous holidays and milestones at the House, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's and even Silas's birthday, and were joined by others, including hospital staff, to reinforce that they were not alone in sorrow or celebration. It was these moments that made the House not just a place to stay but a place to heal.

The Wilsons were told they would be fortunate if Avaleigh survived two weeks. However, their little warrior defied the odds, and the House gave them the support they needed to be with her every step of the way.

Josh decided to continue a tradition started in Aundrea’s family of providing newborn girls with fresh flowers upon their arrival. The flowers adorning Avaleigh’s NICU room were drawn by her father, and are featured in this brochure. An avid artist, Josh would sit at the Ronald McDonald House dining room table and draw, finding solace in difficult times, even giving lessons to children who were staying at the House with their families.

As the Wilsons reflect on their journey, they want to share their story with the world and inspire people to support and donate to the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House was their refuge in the storm, a place where they found comfort, strength, and unwavering support.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a lifeline for families in their darkest hours, a beacon of hope that ensures they are never alone on their journey. When you “Heart the Houses”, you are not simply engaging in an act of kindness; you are investing in the power of love, community, and resilience.

The Wilson family's journey is a testament to the profound impact your support can have on families in need. “Heart the Houses”, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of families like the Wilsons, helping them find strength, hope,

and home when they need it most.

“If you can touch one life, it’s worth it. And [Ronald

McDonald House Charities] touches so many lives and makes such a difference. They were there to comfort you; if they were having a rough day, you never knew it. You never know if you’re going to be in this situation so if you can help now, pay it forward.”

—Josh Wilson

THE WILSON FAMILY:

Avaleigh Wilson

A Journey of Hope

is less than a year old, but she has already defied more odds than most people face in a lifetime. Her story starts with parents, Aundrea and Josh, who were doing everything they could to keep from becoming pregnant again. They had already suffered the pain of a child not surviving a premature birth. Silas, born at 22 weeks and 6 days, came into this world in 2020 only to leave it while being held by his grief-stricken mother.

Shaken by the experience and uncertain whether Aundrea could safely survive a pregnancy, they took precautions. Avaleigh, however, was determined to make her mark upon the world. Aundrea discovered she was pregnant and she and Josh began making preparations, and saying prayers that this time that this time would be different.

At first, it seemed history was doomed to repeat itself. At 24 weeks, Aundrea felt a sudden pain and understood that she and her unborn child needed immediate medical attention. Living in West Plains, they had to come to Springfield to find a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to give their daughter a fighting chance. After her mother was med-flighted to Cox South Hospital, Avaleigh made her entrance into the world, weighing only 1 lb 7 oz and measuring 12 inches long. Her fight was only getting started.

AT THE RONALD MCDONALD Avaleigh's early days were fraught with life-threatening challenges. She endured a stage 2 brain bleed, vision problems, and severe lung complications. The Wilsons' world revolved HOUSE around their daughter's fight for survival.

The Ronald McDonald House was a lifeline that allowed Aundrea and Josh to focus on Avaleigh's fight without the burden of worrying about where to stay. Finding short-term rentals was challenging, especially without knowing how long they would need one. Staying in motels or hotels would have been financially overwhelming, especially during a period already mired in uncertainty. A nurse mentioned the Ronald McDonald House as a possibility for what would turn out to be a nearly four-month stay. Aundrea was familiar with the

Ronald McDonald House—she had volunteered in high school at the very House she and Josh called home for 111 days. Giving more than you receive had always been a core belief for Aundrea, and now she was on the receiving end of that charity’s kindness.

“The Ronald McDonald House becomes home,” said Josh Wilson. “It might not feel like it when you first walk through the doors—scared and stressed and reeling from the dramatic, unexpected turn your life has taken—but having a place that is entirely yours, where others can worry about things like food and laundry for you, empowering you to focus on your child, is absolutely everything.” Aundrea and Josh got to know the staff and formed connections with fellow residents that went beyond the shared struggle of having a child in the NICU. The House provided them with a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

A place where they could recover from the stresses of Avaleigh’s struggle.

Despite the challenges they faced, the Wilsons found ways to give back, from preparing meals to helping set up the Christmas display. They celebrated numerous holidays and milestones at the House, from Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Year's and even Silas's birthday, and were joined by others, including hospital staff, to reinforce that they were not alone in sorrow or celebration. It was these moments that made the House not just a place to stay but a place to heal.

The Wilsons were told they would be fortunate if Avaleigh survived two weeks. However, their little warrior defied the odds, and the House gave them the support they needed to be with her every step of the way.

Josh decided to continue a tradition started in Aundrea’s family of providing newborn girls with fresh flowers upon their arrival. The flowers adorning Avaleigh’s NICU room were drawn by her father, and are featured in this brochure. An avid artist, Josh would sit at the Ronald McDonald House dining room table and draw, finding solace in difficult times, even giving lessons to children who were staying at the House with their families.

As the Wilsons reflect on their journey, they want to share their story with the world and inspire people to support and donate to the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald House was their refuge in the storm, a place where they found comfort, strength, and unwavering support.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a lifeline for families in their darkest hours, a beacon of hope that ensures they are never alone on their journey. When you “Heart the Houses”, you are not simply engaging in an act of kindness; you are investing in the power of love, community, and resilience.

The Wilson family's journey is a testament to the profound impact your support can have on families in need. “Heart the Houses”, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of families like the Wilsons, helping them find strength, hope,

and home when they need it most.

“If you can touch one life, it’s worth it. And [Ronald

McDonald House Charities] touches so many lives and makes such a difference. They were there to comfort you; if they were having a rough day, you never knew it. You never know if you’re going to be in this situation so if you can help now, pay it forward.”

—Josh Wilson

When you “Heart the Houses”, You Help Families Like the Wilsons Stay Close. To hear more about

their story, visit HearttheHouses.org

Make your donation today!

Scan QR Code Online at HearttheHouses.org

By Phone at 417-875-3505

By Mail (Response Card and Envelope enclosed)

When our generous supporters “Heart the Houses” and Adopt a Room, they make the Ronald McDonald Houses possible for the Wilson family and thousands of other area families. Each year, more than 500 families find a community of comfort and hope at our two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield. By Adopting a Room for 2024 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 2023 Heart the Houses Campaign is Presented by

A Portrait OF

Strength

When you “Heart the Houses”,

ADOPT A ROOM

Laundry

and you help families like the Wilsons on their

M: $170 Q: $500 Y: $2,000

Journey of Hope

Bedroom 204

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Bedroom 205

Bedroom 206

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Alcove

Laundry M: $170 Q: $500 Y: $2,000

Bedroom 103

Bedroom 104

Bedroom 105

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Dining Room M: $500 / Q: $1,500 Y: $6,000

Bedroom 102

Bedroom 101

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Family Living Center

M: $585 / Q: $1,750 / Y: $7,000

LOWER LEVEL

Scan QR Code & Adopt a Room Today.

417-875-3505 HeartTheHouses.org

Bedroom 203

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Playroom

Family Room

M: $500 / Q: $1,500 Y: $6,000

M: $835 / Q: $2,500 / Y: $10,000

Main Entryway

M: $335 / Q: $1,000 / Y: $4,000

M = MONTH Q = QUARTER Y = YEAR

Bedroom 209

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Photo by Gayle Babcock, Architectural Imageworks, LLC.

Bedroom 201 M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

SECOND FLOOR

Assistant Mgrs’ Quarters

M: $500 / Q: $1,500 Y: $6,000

M: $585 / Q: $1,750 Y: $7,000

Bedroom 208

Bedroom 202

Dining Room

Kitchen M: $835 / Q: $2,500 / Y: $10,000

Living Room

FIRST FLOOR

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Alcove

Ronald McDonald House Near Cox South Hospital

Bedroom 207

M: $420 Q: $1,250 Y: $5,000

Office for Volunteers & Staff M: $420 Q:$1,250 Y: $5,000

Linen

Kitchen

Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids Gathering Kitchen M: $835 Q: $2,500 Y: $10,000

Storage

Dining Room

Living Room

M: $585 Q: $1,750 Y: $7,000

M: $835 Q: $2,500 Y: $10,000

Playroom M: $500 Q: $1,500 Y: $6,000

Bedroom 109

Bedroom 108

Bedroom 107

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Stairs

Computer Nook

M: $295 / Q: $875 Y:$3,500

Family Locker Room M: $100 Q: $300 Y: $1,200

Elevators

M: $295 / Q: $875 Y: $3,500

Asst. Mgr.

Bedroom 110

M: $420 / Q: $1,250 Y: $5,000

M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Donor Wall Main Entry M: $335 Q: $1,000 Y: $4,000

M = MONTH Q = QUARTER Y = YEAR

Office for Volunteers & Staff

Bedroom 101 M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $420 / Q: $1,250 Y: $5,000

Laundry M: $420 Q: $1,250 Y: $5,000

Bedroom 102 M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Bedroom 106

Bedroom 105

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

M: $235 Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Laundry Chute Room

Bedroom 103 M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

Bedroom 104 M: $235 / Q: $700 Y: $2,800

MERCY CORRIDOR

When you “Heart the Houses”,

ADOPT A ROOM

and you help families like the Wilsons on their

Journey of Hope

Scan QR Code & Adopt a Room Today.

417-875-3505 HeartTheHouses.org

Help Families Stay Close,

ADOPT A ROOM! ONLINE at HearttheHouses.org Scan the QR CODE on back

By PHONE at 417-875-3505

By MAIL using this card GIFTS OF STOCK are welcome DONOR NAME: I have marked the room I wish to sponsor on the other side of this form.

If name(s) on recognition materials is to appear differently from above, please print:

PAYMENT INFORMATION (Choose One) Enclosed is my donation of $

.

Please charge my credit card $

.

Card Number Exp. Date Billing Address

Security Code

Signature IF YOUR DONATION IS A GIFT OF TRIBUTE, please complete the information below.

This gift is in HONOR or MEMORY of: Please notify: Address: To complete your contribution by mail, please fill out both sides of this form and return in the enclosed envelope.

I am unable to Adopt a Room; my donation is enclosed.

Your gifts of stock are welcome, or become a monthly donor to fulfill your contribution Call

417-875-3505 for more information.

HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH MONTH QUARTER

YEAR

Bedroom (14 available)

$235

$700

$2,800

Family Room

$835

$2,500

$10,000

Living Room

$585

$1,750

$7,000

Playroom

$500

$1,500

$6,000

Kitchen

$835

$2,500

$10,000

Dining Room (2 available)

$500

$1,500

$6,000

Family Living Center

$585

$1,750

$7,000

Office for Volunteers & Staff

$420

$1,250

$5,000

Family Care Mgrs’

$420

$1,250

$5,000

Main Entryway

$335

$1,000

$4,000

Laundry Room (2 available)

$170

$500

$2,000

HOUSE AT MERCY KIDS MONTH QUARTER

YEAR

Bedroom (10 available)

$235

$700

$2,800

Living Room

$835

$2,500

$10,000

Playroom

$500

$1,500

$6,000

Gathering Room

$295

$875

$3,500

Dining Room

$585

$1,750

$7,000

Kitchen

$835

$2,500

$10,000

Computer Nook

$295

$875

$3,500

Office for Volunteers & Staff

$420

$1,250

$5,000

Family Care Mgrs’

$420

$1,250

$5,000

Main Entryway

$335

$1,000

$4,000

Laundry Center

$420

$1,250

$5,000

Family Locker Room

$100

$300

$1,200

TOTAL AMOUNT ADOPTED:

$

To complete your contribution by mail, please fill out both sides of this form and return in the enclosed envelope. Or Scan QR Code Below & ADOPT A ROOM TODAY!