Board of DirectorsDaniel Bernstein, M.D., Lucile Packard Children’s HospitalKaren Boyd, Turner Boyd LLPDenise Côté, The Chateau GroupGregg Davis, Telosa SoftwareBrian Dinsmore, SeilerAnnette Eros, Ronald McDonald House at StanfordJudy Kirkpatrick, eBay, RetiredBob Kresek, Founders Financial NetworkLaurie Lacob, Community VolunteerBrad Lyman, Cornish & CareyKatharine Martin, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & RosatiJim McCaughey M.D., Lucile Packard Children’s HospitalDebbie Mueller, Community VolunteerDean Riskas, TriplePoint Capital LLCJanice Roberts, Mayfield FundScott Rodrick, Rodrick Management GroupMichael Rubenstein, Community VolunteerBarbara Shapiro, BLS PartnersAllison Tilley, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLPSusan Twietmeyer, Cisco Systems, Retired

Community Advisory CouncilEric Brandenburg, Brandenburg PropertiesMike Casey, Rosewood HotelMaryles Casto, Casto TravelHarvey Cohen, M.D., Stanford University School of MedicineRon Conway, Angel Investors, LPBrad Lyman, Cornish & CareyParaag Marathe, San Francisco 49ersSusan Orr, Packard FoundationJoe Simitian, California State SenatorRoger Sippl, Sippl Macdonald VenturesLarry Sonsini, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & RosatiPeter Ziebelman, Palo Alto Venture Partners

StaffAdministration/FinanceAnnette Eros, Chief Executive OfficerLaura Keegan Boudreau, Chief Operating OfficerCynthia Semenoff, Finance DirectorErin Hall, Staff AccountantMarsha Compagnoni, Executive Assistant

Development/FundraisingChris Hirano, Major Gifts OfficerPaul McNabb, Development OfficerRamona Nestor, Data CoordinatorAnnabelle Udo-O’Malley, Events & Communications Coordinator

Family Services/House OperationsBri Carpaño-Seoane, Family Services DirectorMaria Espinosa, Resident ManagerJuan Hernandez, Family Care ManagerMonica Makela, Volunteer CoordinatorSarah Reichanadter, Family Activities CoordinatorEric Tubman, Facilities Manager Felipe Zaragoza, Custodial Maintenance Technician

Weekend ManagersRyan GramacyCheryl KeamaJill MongielloKelly MorrisonLeigh PurryLucy Santos

We Remember…These children will live in our hearts forever:

Aliyah GarciaEmiliano Perez

Adam SalasEdwin Garcia

Christian Diaz-SernaVanessa Martinez-Antonio

Letter from the CEO

With the holidays upon us, the changing of the seasons and 2012 coming to a close, it’s usually around this time that we take a moment to contemplate and

reflect on what life has given us and what we have done to give back. Because of the nature of what we do here at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, these special occasions arise seamlessly on a daily basis. Many moments of giving complement other occasions to be thankful. As

you’ll read in this edition of “Around the House,” be aware that the inspirational stories about our incredible volunteers are just a few of the tiles that create a larger mosaic on our magical canvas. More than 100 volunteers walk through our doors each week to help answer phones, clean out our refrigerators, pick vegetables from our garden and

the list goes on. We wouldn’t be able to take such good care of our families without this greater community effort. Our staff meetings always begin with “kudos” where we recognize our colleagues for everyday large and small achievements over the previous workweek. In the same spirit, I send kudos to you-our valued contributors and volunteers-for the vibrant and boundless energy that keeps the Ronald McDonald House family moving forward and the contagious spirit that feeds into this season of giving thanks.

Annette ErosChief Executive Officer

Cover: Erika Shue volunteers as a tutor every Tuesday for kids like 11-year-old Carol, a sibling who is staying at the House.Photo by Paul Sakuma

In Their Own WordsThe following are excerpts from letters

of families who have stayed at the House. Join Ronald McDonald House at

Stanford’s Facebook page and share your experience by posting

on our wall at www.facebook.com/RMHStanford or submit an email to

annabelle@ronaldhouse.netRONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

AT STANFORD

H O U S E A L B U M

San Francisco Giants closing pitcher Sergio

Romo with Chad

Participating in the Rainbow Chefs program

Nicholas pets a Furry Friend

Ronald McDonald and Jared

San Francisco 49er’s visit the House to play board games with House kids

While Elijah was sleeping, I sat down to read a letter

I picked up at Ronald McDonald House that morning

when I dropped my luggage and was supposed to

come back to check in at 3 p.m. In that letter it talked

about all the volunteers who help people like me. From

free meals to free haircuts and massages or free

trips to the store — I started crying just from all the

love around me. I was in tears. In my head there was

a thought — maybe for real Elijah will receive a heart

soon. Ronald McDonald House is so beautiful and has

special rooms for kids after transplants. I signed up

to go to Walmart and a volunteer told me that her

daughter had three hearts surgeries, is now 26 and is

getting married. If she didn’t have that experience she

wouldn’t be helping me today.

— Olga A.

We arrived at Ronald McDonald House with our hearts and

minds reeling with worry and overwhelming concern. Our

grandson, Logan, was fighting for his little life and his mother

was recovering from a very difficult pregnancy and delivery.

You were all so very comforting. Giving a loving place to stay,

toys, access to laundry, access to a kitchen to our meals

and access to computers. Your playroom was staffed with

helpers... provided haircuts, trips to a Giants baseball game

and a farm to pet animals. Your many activities helped all

of us to keep our minds off our troubles and to realize that

when people care, life is bearable! — Jill C.

Scan and join our

Facebook page!

Marelli and Lillian

GIFT OF TIMEG I V I N G T H E

“Our volunteers give so much to our families, including the most precious gift of all: their time,” said Monica Makela, Volunteer Coordinator for the House. “What they do here allows our families more time to spend with their little ones and research has shown that a family’s presence near their sick children can help them heal faster.” Nobody can agree more than Kay Sims whose volunteerism at the House began in 1985. During this time when the House was still in its infancy, there were six volunteers, less than 10 staff members, and only 13 families could be accommodated compared to today’s 47. Kay remembers that even back then, the support system of friends, family, and community was as equally important as it is today. “As a former social worker, I just have a lot of empathy for the families,” she said. “I would observe these families realizing that it’s not only about their child being sick but that they’ve lost the support system they’ve had at home and the comfort of their own surroundings. I think the mission of the House is very profound that it creates the environment that it does.”

For the thousands of volunteers who have unselfishly given their time to the House, we are thankful. The diversity of House volunteers which follows are merely snapshots of a much bigger picture of this valuable volunteer corps.

Derrick Diaz has volunteered at the House for 21 years performing an extensive range of duties from silencing squeaky wheels to repairing washing machines. “Helping the families is what keeps me going. I see them at their worst and

I see them at their best. I remember a father who came to me and

said ‘My daughter can’t walk anymore but she wants to

be outside with the kids, can you fix the wagon?’ I thought, sure, no problem.

I fixed the wagon and later saw the dad pulling the little girl in it having a great time and that really touched my heart. But the next time I saw the dad, I saw him pulling the wagon to load his car up because he lost his daughter. That really tore me up. I’m really here for the families and over the years there have been so many changes but what has never changed is the mission. It has always been about the families and that’s what it’s all tied into. That’s what brings volunteers like me back. The House is the building that love built and although I don’t think I’ve figured out yet how to fix a broken heart, I’m glad I’ve been able to fix the things that I can.”

Silvia Colombetti is originally from Argentina and is a long-time Menlo Park resident who first volunteered at the House in 1986. She has recently re-joined the House to continue offering administrative and Spanish bi-lingual translation help at the front desk. “I would advise people to volunteer here at the House. It’s a great thing to do and it’s very rewarding when you know you’re helping people. I’ve found

Ourvolunteers give so much to our

families, including the most precious

gift of all —their time

4

F rom organizing the pantry to cooking meals for families and speaking at a high school event, volunteers have long been a crucial component to creating the signature “home-away-from-home” environment for the

families staying at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. With more than 100 volunteers each week and countless hours of dedication, the outpouring of help that arrives at the House’s doorstep has been invaluable.

that what the families are going through at the House must be the hardest thing in the world but it puts things into perspective when I hear someone who is complaining about a little thing. I’ve gotten to know some of the families and I love talking to them. Although 16 is the age when you can start volunteering here, there are other ways that younger kids can still help. There’s also now a great need for volunteers who can speak Spanish and when I started volunteering again I thought being able to speak the language can help make a difference. I think this is the best volunteer job in the world.”

Steve “Raiderbee” Bigbee received his nickname from a little one who was staying at the House after he brought back an Oakland Raiders football signed by some of the team’s players and it has since become his moniker. Over the last two years, Steve’s volunteerism has extended to creating events for the kids at the House and offering public awareness about the House at various outside events. “I love to help people especially

when they’re in need. If I have to give up a couple of hours of sleep to help out, then so be it. If it soothes their soul, it soothes my soul. If you can help out just one person and that one person helps another, just imagine what the impact on the world would be. I don’t know the families at the House personally but I’m here to put a smile on their faces — to have them forget what they are going through and let them enjoy life. Even if it’s just for that one day that they can enjoy life, then it makes my job complete. The only way to make a difference in today’s world is if people help out in the world we have today. What got me to be a Raiders fan was their motto: ‘Commitment to Excellence’ and that’s how I live my life. Everything I do, I put that little bit of excellence into it.”

Erika Shue hails from Half Moon Bay. She recently took an academic

break to help tutor House kids once a week and assist

with Happy Wheels, a program which brings parents at Lucile

Packard Children’s Hospital a hot beverage and snacks

while keeping the little ones at the hospital entertained with books, fun activities and toys. “I love Happy Wheels! I would point anyone who wants to volunteer to that, of course! I’m not often in direct contact with families but just knowing that I’m helping really makes a difference. I started volunteering in the Happy Wheels program because who could argue that handing out toys and coffee to parents and kids is a great thing. I liked that. I had a friend who was ill and a patient at a different hospital facility who I would visit often. I thought that even though Happy Wheels was something that didn’t go to him directly, now whenever I hand things out to the patients at the hospital here, it just reminds me of what I do. Things happen in life and wish you can do something. But, by getting involved at Ronald McDonald House, there are things you can do. It may not be someone you know directly but it is making it better for someone else.” ♥

When Jessica and Aristotle found out that their second child, Elora, was diagnosed in utero with a severe congenital heart condition called Hypoplasty Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), their

lives took an unexpected turn. Living in Sacramento, California they needed to travel approximately 116 miles to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto to receive necessary cardiac care for their daughter’s condition. This also meant that when they needed to get to their appointments amidst the daily grind of other commuters, it would add at least another hour and a half to an already two hour commute. With rising gas prices and mounting medical bills, finding a temporary place to live to alleviate the round-trip commutes was only an additional burden. However, their endurance to withstand hard times took them along a serendipitous and hope-filled path that brought them to Ronald McDonald House at Stanford. “On top of everything else, one of the things that crosses your mind is where are we going to stay, how are we going to pay for lodging, do we know anyone in the area and on and on,” said Aristotle as he reflected on the day he and his wife were informed their daughter would require open heart surgery when she was born. After endless searches and exhausting all their resources, a co-worker of Aristotle happened to mention Ronald McDonald House. Never having heard about the House, he researched the House’s website and spoke with a social worker. “I knew the risk of knowing that we

wouldn’t be promised a spot but we really just didn’t know what else to do,” he said. “Then one day we received a call.” That call was from the House notifying them that a room had opened up. On the day Aristotle and his wife received the message, they and their two-year-old son were temporarily living in an apartment in the Palo Alto area. “It was a huge burden off our shoulders,” Aristotle said. “It really hit us the first day at the House knowing that you’re going to be away from home and the reasons why. The simplest things like going downstairs to the kitchen in your pajamas, staying in the living room, my son going to the backyard--

after a while, it does become your home and we loved it. I can’t even tell you what that did to lower our stress levels.” One of the things that stood out about their experience was the interactions with the volunteers that make the House what it is. “The volunteers were so great and so supportive and that was a key factor in feeling comfortable. Everyone’s willingness to help was so rewarding for us to see and now I just keep thinking of ways to do that for a living — to help others and to know you’re making a difference. I didn’t know about Ronald McDonald House before all

this and now I’m preaching about how great the House is. We’ll always be grateful for the House.” Their daughter was born on September 13 and successfully received the first phase of a series of surgeries required for her HLHS condition. ♥

GratefulForever

With uncertainty over accommodations a Sacramento family finds respite at the House

PILLARS $25,000+Bay Area McDonald’s Co-OpAnonymous

VISIONARY CIRCLE $10,000+Kathy and Bob Courson

FAMILY CIRCLE $5,000+Brandenburg Family FoundationRuth Celle 2002 TrustEdward E. Hills Fund

CHILDREN’S CIRCLE $1,200+Scott AngelPhyllis J. DorricottSally FongDonald LeflerMetropolitan Arts PartnershipAndrew and Ann ReidDawn ThomasUnited Way Silicon ValleyYourCause, LLC

GOLD CIRCLE $600+Accuray Inc.Bank of America FoundationRick and Jane BernsteinCostco Matching Gifts United WayJohn DiedrichJuniper Networks’ Company

Matching Gifts ProgramProject Consulting SpecialistsThomas and Lauren RettagliataBruce and Martha RhineThe Rug FinderSanta Cruz WoodiesSkal Club of San JoseRobert SlussNoubar Aram and Anahit ToutikianTorben Von StadenWells Fargo Community Support

Campaign

SILVER CIRCLE $300+John and Amy BoggsBootstrap Marketing Inc.Tim CrudoFrank and Belita GiannolaGary and Sharon KoenigJoe and Celia MaglioneDavid MathewsonRobert McCarthyKenneth and Sarah MurrayRobert and Sharon Tracey

Meadowood Napa ValleyD. John MillerNativity School Fourth GradeKen RenaldoHannah and Kaitlyn SchmidtSeascape Beach ResortSouthwest Airlines CompanyStephen and Amy VenutoMark Volpicelli, M.D.West Fresh CateringWilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

GIFTS IN HONOR OF...Honor someone special in your life or celebrate a milestone event, birthday, marriage, or holiday while helping the hundreds of families who call the House “home” each year. Donor is listed after the event or person they are honoring.

Matt Berlin’s 15th birthdayBill and Linda Black

Judy KirkpatrickDr. John and Amy Boggs

the births of Lily Mae and Samuel Ari ReavenRobert & Fran Reaven

all the kids and families that RMH has helpedChristopher and Ciara Millerick

IN MEMORY OF...Making a memorial gift is a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. All memorial gifts are designated to the Children’s Legacy Fund Endowment, making your gift a lasting tribute. Donor is listed after the person they are memorializing.

Lucille Boero, Helen Catherine Clark, Ed Del Beccaro, Max Gowty, George A. Rasmussen, George W. Rasmussen, Mary Rasmussen, and Mehran SamimiThomas and Lauren Rettagliata

Kristin M. CrudoTim Crudo

Roy J. DiamondAllan and Eileen Kornblum

BRONzE CIRCLE $150+AnonymousDanitra BarnettBill and Linda BlackDan and Tami BorbaKatie Jo BuccolaAngela and Josie ButlerGary and Teresa CarlisleDonald and Karen ChristopherRobert ClarkSusan ClarkDellavalle Laboratory, Inc.Joseph DeLucaJim and Jackie DiedrichMark and Sheri FarleyMary FerroPriyadars Pete and Sharada

GodboleBrad and Lisa GrisimKari HarrisonJames and Estelle HenleyBob HillsMicrosoft Matching Gifts ProgramJeanine MisemerHarold R and Lucille L. MohrJaneen MooreRoy and Christie MooreWon Sup ParkMary Ann ParkerPG&E Corporation Campaign for

the CommunityRobert & Fran ReavenSBC Insurance Services, Inc.Stratford SchoolUnited Way of the Bay AreaJake and Gail WilliamsRobert A. and Fleurange Wilson

IN-KIND DONATIONSThe gifts listed below have a declared value of $500 and above.Alexander Atkins Design, Inc.Ted and Nancy BeckerMelody CochranDell, Inc.Greg DuquiteFox Entertainment GroupGarden Court HotelJason and Heather KarneyPatty LemosSusan Loesck

Raymond and Valerie HeckmanRobert and Carol Ellingson

Pamela Annette MaiorinoDellavalle Laboratory, Inc.Jim and Jackie DiedrichJohn DiedrichMary Ferro

Gloria MillerPriyadars Pete and Sharada

Godbole

2LT Travis A. MorgadoDonald and Berta Raposo-Lefler

Stephen Marcus PeatDanitra BarnettDan and Tami BorbaGary and Teresa CarlisleDonald and Karen ChristopherRobert ClarkSusan ClarkJames and Estelle HenleyFrank and Belita GiannolaGary and Sharon KoenigJake and Gail Williams

Betty ReedNancy Bryant

Many thanks to our generous donorsDue to space limitations, we regrettably cannot list donors below $150. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

Gfits received between June 1 to August 31, 2012.

6

Revamping old space with new technology

The Computer Learning for Ill Kids (CLIK) space has been a fixture of the House since it was originally implemented in the mid-90’s by

a volunteer who felt the need for House families to be able to have access to computers and the technology that was evolving at the time. As this space became increasingly popular, the needs also changed which led to the recent room remodel last month. By melding more modern, ergnomic and space-saving

furniture with existing technology the CLIK room can now be better utilized by House families as well as lab volunteers. With the recent remodel of the adjacent Children’s Activity Room, equipment for

video games were relocated into the CLIK space cohesively bringing together a room that fulfills the space’s initial purpose. With newly-painted walls and the Wii, Xbox360 and PS3, the room is a new and improved version of its 1994 self and a place where children of all ages can enjoy.

Computer Learning for Ill Kids

BEFORE

2012December 6 | 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.Ronald McDonald House at Stanford’s Annual “Light the House” Holiday FaireKick off the holiday season with comfort ‘n’ joy as we invite the community to join us for the annual lighting of the House! Live music, food booths, face painting, cookie decorating, petting zoo and more! Appearances by Ronald McDonald and friends. December 7 | 11:30 a.m.First Friday ToursSpread the word to your friends, family, or co-workers! The House welcomes interested community members for our next First Friday tour. Visit the recently-remodeled Children’s Activity Room, “The Cove” teen lounge, and other outdoor play structures. You’ll also have a chance to see other areas of the House that continue to provide a nurturing environment for the children and families during difficult times.

2013March 16 | 6:00 p.m.Denim to DiamondsSave the date for the 26th Annual Denim to Diamonds annual gala which will be held at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View to the theme of “A Night at the Casbah.”

For additional information contact annabelle@ronaldhouse.net

Scan to get more

information about our

events!

Ronald McDonald House at Stanford520 Sand Hill RoadPalo Alto, CA 94304-2001Tel 650.470.6000Fax 650.470.6018www.ronaldhouse.net

Please check your mailing label. Is your address correct? Please make any changes and mail to the House at the address above.

If you would prefer to receive your newsletter electronically, email your request to ramona@ronaldhouse.net

Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePaidPalo Alto, CAPermit No. 290

Design + Production: Alexander Atkins Design, Inc.

Participate in The Wishing Tree program! It’s a wonderful way to support the little ones at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford and make the holidays meaningful for families, schools, businesses, Scout troops, and office parties.

Pre-labeled ornaments will be sent to you for your convenience in the following categories: teens, babies, kids, parents, household and Happy Wheels cart items.

STEP 1: Request ornaments for your tree or holiday party.

STEP 2: Use ornaments to decorate a tree at your business, school, office, or church.

STEP 3: Purchase items listed on your ornament.

STEP 4: Bring unwrapped items to Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

Visit www.ronaldhouse.net or scan to view the full brochure

To participate in The Wishing Tree contact Isis Lara, Family Activities Assistant, isis@ronaldhouse.net 650.470.6093