Lucas

It was two years ago this month that my nephew Lucas had a horrible accident. He was burned very badly with boiling water on his head, face, neck, and chest. He was flown from his home state of Montana to Salt Lake City, Utah where he was admitted into what I understand is one of the best burn units in the country. Only Ginger, his mother, was able to come with him directly. His father had to drive. My father and I immediately jumped on a plane the next day to go be there for them in any way we could especially until Josh, his father, arrived. My mother arrived later that day from Ohio.

The hospital staff was nothing short of wonderful. A nurse was with him almost around the clock, answering all of our questions, tending to any of his needs, and monitoring him very closely as he was in an induced coma. It was an incredibly scary time especially for Ginger and Josh not knowing what the future would bring. There was a shortage of hotels in the area due to a convention going on in town and even the ones that had rooms were kind of expensive. When they first arrived the worst estimate that I heard was that Lucas could have been there for a month or more.

Eventually the hospital referred Ginger and Josh to the Ronald McDonald house which was very close. They were able to get a room there for free. I knew of the charity before this incident however I did not REALLY know what it did. Seeing how the worry of where to stay so far from home was taken away was amazing. Lucas has recovered beautifully and I rarely see him without thinking how amazing it is that he came through it all so well. Seeing him playing on the beach in Jamaica was amazing. Seeing him running around my mothers house saying 'Auntie George!' always makes me smile. And knowing that he is well now, in part, because of the generosity of others makes me want to give that gift back.

In these times of economic crisis I understand that it is getting harder and harder to give. However, this charity is one of the best ways to help a family through one of the darkest hours they could experience. I donated today because I know that another family like mine will be helped with that money. It is not only a gift of a place to stay but a gift of a little peace of mind. And in times of crisis a little peace of mind goes a long way towards healing. If you can, try to help them reach their goal. I have posted the link below. Thanks!

http://rmhc.org/