In the fall of 2022, the Cleveland family’s world turned upside down when their son, Bodhi, fell seriously ill. After a visit to their local urgent care in Findlay, Ohio, they were stunned to learn that Bodhi had pneumonia and needed urgent care at Ebeid Children’s Hospital in Toledo. With his condition worsening, the Cleveland family faced the challenge of being away from home for weeks while Bodhi received the necessary medical attention, leaving them with worries about where to stay and how to manage during this challenging time.
Fortunately, hope appeared when a nurse at Ebeid Children’s Hospital recommended Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio. The idea of staying at the House hadn’t occurred to the family before, but they quickly applied for accommodation, realizing it would offer them a much-needed home away from home during Bodhi’s treatment. As Kelly Cleveland put it, “We kept thinking, where are we going to sleep? Where are we going to eat? Are we going to have to drive back and forth from Findlay?”
The relief was palpable as they discovered that they wouldn’t have to worry about where to sleep or eat, and they could focus entirely on Bodhi’s care and well-being. Kelly described their experience, saying, “The Ronald McDonald House was so amazing to us. We can’t say enough good about the staff and facility. It (RMHC) lifts a huge burden off families that stay there and we are forever grateful.”
As the days turned into weeks, the Cleveland family found comfort and support at RMHC. With Noah, their 4-year-old son, by their side, they utilized the House’s playground and playroom to keep him occupied during Bodhi’s hospitalization. Kelly expressed her gratitude, saying, “We were so surprised by how amazing and welcoming the staff was. Carol (one of the Family Services Managers) would always check on us. She would ask how our son was and if we had any updates, it made us feel like we were at home to have someone that compassionate.”
After Bodhi’s successful recovery and their return to Findlay, Kelly and Casey knew they had to use this as an opportunity to teach the importance of giving back. Bodhi and Noah, inspired by the generosity they experienced, decided to host a lemonade stand in their neighborhood, with the proceeds going to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio. Kelly explained their motivation, saying, “We were looking into ways to give back just like how others gave back to us when we were at the House. We thought dinners were a great idea, but then Noah and Bodhi wanted to host a lemonade stand.”
For the Cleveland family, RMHC meant more than just a place to stay. It became a “home away from home,” a place of compassion, and a lifeline during their toughest moments. As they reflected on their journey, Kelly and Casey were forever grateful for Ronald McDonald House Charities, an organization that brought hope, strength, and love when they needed it the most. Their experience at RMHC not only changed their lives but also inspired them to make a difference in the lives of other families facing similar challenges.