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!