On a cold January night in 2024, Dorthea and Jermaine Green’s world was turned upside down by a phone call that no grandparent ever wants to receive. Their grandson, Daquavion Baker, was in the emergency room, fighting for his life against a severe sinus infection that had escalated into something far more dangerous. Within minutes of that call, Daquavion was being rushed into emergency surgery, and the Greens were driving through the night, hearts heavy with fear and uncertainty, not knowing where they would stay or how they would cope with the days ahead.
When they arrived at the hospital, the situation was more dire than they could have imagined. Daquavion needed multiple surgeries in that first week alone. As the days blurred together, the Greens felt the weight of the world on their shoulders. They were miles away from home, supporting their daughter through the unimaginable, and the last thing they wanted to worry about was where they would sleep or how they would afford the mounting expenses.
That’s when a nurse mentioned Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Northwest Ohio. Dorthea and Jermaine had heard of RMHC before, but they never fully understood the scope of its mission. Exhausted and overwhelmed, they decided to take a chance and see if RMHC could offer them the support they so desperately needed.
From the moment they walked through the doors, they felt an overwhelming sense of relief. “It was a blessing,” Dorthea recalls. “We were shocked that there was a service that could help families like ours. We didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, washing our clothes, or even what we would eat. The House provided everything we needed and more.”
For 55 nights, RMHC Northwest Ohio became their home away from home. The House’s warmth, kindness, and community became their sanctuary during the most challenging time of their lives. Jermaine, who had only a vague idea of what RMHC was, quickly realized just how crucial this organization would be in their journey. “It was life-changing,” he says. “We were able to focus on supporting our daughter and grandson without the added stress of financial burdens.”
The support the Greens received went beyond just a place to stay. The staff at RMHC were more than just caregivers; they were companions in the Greens’ emotional journey. “They would check on us, ask how we were doing, and it really helped with our mental health,” Dorthea explains. “Knowing we had a safe, clean, and supportive environment to return to each night made all the difference.”
During their stay, Dorthea and Jermaine formed bonds with other families going through similar challenges. One couple, just in their early twenties, became a source of comfort and connection for the Greens. “Talking with them eased our minds,” Jermaine says. “It was comforting to know we weren’t alone.”
As they look back on those 55 nights, Dorthea and Jermaine can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “We are blessed,” Dorthea reflects. “My grandson is here with us today because of the incredible care he received at the hospital, and because of the support we had at RMHC. This experience has shown us the importance of appreciating life, of holding our loved ones close, and of never taking a single moment for granted.”
For Dorthea, being a grandparent is the most precious role in her life. “My grandkids are everything to me,” she says with emotion in her voice. “The love I have for them is enormous. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. Having my oldest grandson go through something like this was traumatizing, but it also made me appreciate every hug, every smile, and every little moment even more.”
As Grandparents Day approaches, the Greens want to share a message with those who support or are considering supporting RMHC Northwest Ohio. “Please support this House,” Dorthea urges. “It is one of the best places you can stay during a crisis. It saved us in so many ways.”
Jermaine echoes her sentiment, adding, “Thank you to everyone who supports this incredible organization. Your generosity made a world of difference for our family, and we are forever grateful.”
The Green family’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the invaluable role that Ronald McDonald House Charities plays in the lives of families during their darkest hours. For Dorthea and Jermaine, RMHC was not just a place to stay; it was a lifeline, a community, and a source of hope when they needed it most.