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Monday, May 12, 2008
This House feels like home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ronald McDonald House volunteer Karin Smithson, left, and Asia Fleming decorate cookies at the home last Thursday. Staff photo by Allen Sullivan.
Lakisha Fleming of Reidsville never dreamed she’d need the Ronald McDonald House. Then daughter Asia, who turns 7 on Thursday, was injured in a car wreck.
The same is true for Joy Dever of Columbus, whose 10-year-old Breanna was injured when a grill fell on her; and Laura Sharp of Madison, whose 17-year-old son Austin was hit by a car.
All three have been at the Ronald McDonald House on Peachtree Dunwoody Road while their children receive treatment at nearby hospitals.
“In the hospital, you only have so much personal space,” said Sharp. “We were so relieved to get here, in a family environment, with our own room. It just gives you a mental break from the stress that you’re under.”
She said the families’ shared experiences offer support and lead to special friendships.
“It’s nice to be sharing time with someone who’s going through your same situation,” Sharp said. “It’s been a huge blessing.”
Ronald McDonald House volunteer Karin Smithson, center, decorates cookies with Austin Sharp, from right, Luke Bodden and Asia Fleming. Staff photo by Allen Sullivan.
The Open Hearts, Open Doors dinner auction to benefit the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House programs will be 7:30 p.m. May 16 at Capital City Club-Brookhaven. The event comes as a new, 50-room Ronald McDonald House is scheduled to open next month on Gatewood Road.
Darbra Bodden of the Cayman Islands stayed at the Ronald McDonald House shortly after her triplets were born prematurely. She was back last week with Luke, 2. She has been grateful “just to be in a place that’s more like home.”
Karin Smithson, a licensed psychotherapist at The Anxiety & Stress Management Institute who is expecting twins in August, is chairing the benefit’s host committee. She has been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House for nearly a decade.
“I really wanted to do some hands-on work that would help others,” said Smithson. “This is such a haven of rest and support,” she said.
Tickets are $100 in advance, $125 at the door. See their website or call 404-315-1133, ext. 1104.
The new Ronald McDonald House on Gatewood Road opens soon.
