Gabriel Peterson was first brought to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia when he was eight days old.
Since then, his mother, Jessica Allen, said she takes him in at least once a year because of his complex congenital heart defect. He’s now 10 years old, and while he’s in the hospital, he enjoys playing video games and air hockey with friends he’s made at the Ronald McDonald House, where families of sick children can stay during treatment.
They spent several holidays there, including Easter in 2020, Allen said. This year, I hope to return to Japan on Christmas Eve. Allen is silent.
In the meantime, Allen and Gabriel have a cozy place to call home. This year, as part of a larger partnership between Ronald McDonald House Global and CVS Health, the Philadelphia home hired local interior decorator and influencer Meghan Gallagher. Ms Gallagher spent the first week of December sprucing up her room, expertly decorating her Christmas tree and doing her best to spread some Christmas spirit to the 150 families in her home.
“I know how difficult it is for families to be away from home for the holidays,” said Gallagher, who lives in Philadelphia. “So for me to be able to come here and bring a little bit of joy into their lives and a little bit of nostalgia… it was really important to me.”
Home decoration may sound frivolous. But Laura Van Tassel, annual giving manager for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, said, “We know that our guests are actually going through some of the most difficult or darkest times in their lives, so it’s important to keep the home a warm and friendly atmosphere.”
“We want it to be a warm, welcoming space that they can come back to after a really tough day,” she said.
With or without the decor, Allen said she appreciates the welcoming and caring atmosphere at the Ronald McDonald House and the employees who make her feel like family.
“It’s truly a home built on love. Having people to support us, having a roof over our heads and a hot meal that we didn’t have to worry about was great throughout his life,” Allen said. “We offer all the comforts of home.”
Madeline Mitchell’s role covering women and the care economy for USA TODAY is supported by the following partnerships: extremely important and Journalism funding partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
Contact Madeline at: memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ At X.
