Featured Family

All of you give to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in one way or another. Participating in this event either by riding, volunteering, or donating is helping the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. I wanted to introduce you to a wonderful family that has stayed at the RMHC and has also given back to the RMHC. Jackie and Jacob rode in bike ride last year and also volunteered.

Please let me introduce the Bolwerk Family. This is their story.

In June 2007, our then 9-year-old son, Jacob, underwent a femur and Achilles tendon lengthening at the University of Wisconsin Madison Children's Hospital to correct a congenital condition. Jacob's femur was surgically broken, and he was placed in external fixation which would remain for the following six months. The surgery was followed by five days as an in-patient, and it was during this time that my husband Cal and I had the opportunity to use the services offered by the Ronald McDonald House of Madison.

The days following Jacob's surgery were very stressful for all of us. Our days were filled with early morning doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, bandage changes, vitals checks, meds, etc. One of our biggest challenges at that time was working together as a family to help Jacob maneuver from the bed to the wheel chair. The process sometimes took well over an hour with many unsuccessful attempts and lots of tears. At the end of the day, one of us would spend the night with Jacob in the hospital and the other would stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

The Ronald McDonald House was a wonderful option for us in that it was a homey and very well maintained facility that was affordable, convenient and extremely accommodating. The staff and volunteers very friendly and helpful and not at all put out by our unpredictable coming and going at odd times of the day and evening to sleep, shower, take care of laundry or just get away for a few quiet moments from the anxiety of the hospital setting. The Ronald McDonald House truly planned for everything that one could possibly need while caring for a loved one in the hospital. The services provided by the Ronald McDonald House were invaluable to us and for that we will be forever grateful. Thank you to all who help make the Ronald McDonald House what it is to families in their time of need.

Cal & Jackie Bolwerk