Thank you for caring about our families' well-being. For the safety of our families, we would like to share an important update with you regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention.
|
 Mission Moment
Mogie I
It is with great sadness that we share that our first Mogie recently passed away. Since 2009, Mogie, a golden-locked Australian Labradoodle, brought joy and comfort to thousands of our kids and their families. His official title, prominently printed on his business card, was Comfort Ambassador. Until the Behind Every Door Capital Campaign renovation and expansion brought unfamiliar construction noises and workers to Holcombe House, Mogie slept there and roamed the House freely. Eventually the change became too disruptive for this good 'old dog. By that point, he was 10 years old and it was time to retire. A special friend took care of him until he recently became ill. Mogie was named by his benefactors, Marilyn and Louis Mogas; they could not resist this meaningful gift for the House. Since his puppy days, he loved being in front of a camera or in the lime light. He was comfortable in crowds, running after a tennis ball or sitting in photo shoots of volunteer groups, prominent donors, local celebrities and even a few politicians. You could even see him smile when he was on the Debra Duncan Show. Author, Kathi Appelt, and illustrator Marc Rosenthal, captured Mogie's "mojo" in a poignant children's picture book called Mogie, The Heart of the House. More than anything, Mogie was best known for his nuzzles and sticky wet kisses. Kids from near and far were reassured when he would greet them, cheer them up and encourage a smile. Nothing like a "Mogie hug" from this super soft pup who instinctively knew when a sick kid needed a loving pick-me-up. "He touched a lot of lives," said Marilyn Mogas. "Most likely, it's the most wonderful experience we've ever had. The whole place lit up and everybody wanted that dog to sit on their lap," added Louis Mogas. |
Updates
We continue to take every precaution to keep our families safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Steps we've taken across RMH Houston to ensure health and safety: - Holcombe House currently has 44 families living in the House. So far, due to the generosity of our incredible donors, staff has been able to serve at least one hot meal per day.
- Ronald McDonald House inside Children's Memorial Hermann is open for family guest overnight stays, as well
as serving snacks and meals when provided in the 7th floor lounge. - Ronald McDonald House inside Texas Children's Hospital is also open for family guest overnight stays, as well as hosting families for respite, snacks, and meals when provided throughout the day in the kitchen and living areas.
- The staff at MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital are utilizing one Ronald McDonald Family Room and two overnight bedrooms for staff respite and sleeping rooms due to their 48 hours on/48 hours off schedule. The pediatric unit leadership is extremely grateful to be able to offer these spaces as respite and rejuvenating areas to the nurses and doctors. We are glad our rooms can be of service to our hospital partner during this time.
|
| Here is what you can do to help this week:
 1. Since all meal group volunteer activities have also been cancelled, help us stock up on staple groceries so families can cook for themselves/snack while at the hospital. You can get them delivered to our doorsteps from shopping online on our Amazon wish lists: (we know that many of the items on our Amazon Wishlist are not available at this time, but you can still help us out by using Kroger Delivery, HEB Delivery, Boxed.com or Instacart.com. House Needs: Lysol disinfectant spray, paper goods, plates and bowls, plastic silverware, Cup of Noodles, Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, tuna or chicken kits, Compleats, etc.... Also vegetarian options! Individually wrapped Grab and Go snacks: fruit cups, apple sauce, and microwave popcorn. Things that are always needed: paper towels hand sanitizer Clorox wipes bottled water laundry detergent and napkins. |
2. Please help us with monetary donations, click here to donate. Consider making a monthly $10 gift to cover the cost each family is asked to pay per night. Imagine the impact you and 20 others can make with a gift like this. With warm regards,
Rick Noriega RMH Houston CEO |
|
