Families bond at Ronald McDonald House picnic
IMPERIAL — Families bearing up under hardship of serious disease got a welcome break from stress as two nonprofits teamed up for a jubilant picnic at Eager Park on Saturday.
The fifth annual Families Supporting Families Picnic organized by the Ronald McDonald House Charities formed a partnership with Emilio Nares Foundation, based in San Diego, to organize this year’s event, noted Ruth Zuniga, guest services lead for RMHC.
“RMHC is their home away from home for any family with children receiving critical care services,” said Zuniga. “And we teamed up with Emilio Nares because lots of families from the Valley rely on their transit services to get to San Diego hospitals.”
RMHC offers lodging and support to families during their hospitalization in San Diego. Families with hospital identification may eat, nap, shower, play with other children or go online at the Family Care Center. The resources are free of charge thanks to contributions from individuals, businesses and area organizations.
The picnic was a gesture of showing families the two nonprofits are there for them and will always keep them close to their hearts noted Luz Quiroga, patient services director for Emilio Nares. “Today we honor all families going through medical trauma and whatever the medical outcome we’re here to sustain them,” said Quiroga.
Playing a bean bag toss was elementary student Jonathan Dalle, son of Catalina Penland and Dr. Jonathan Dalle, who won a prize with his first attempt. They were all volunteering in support of the families, noted Penland. Dalle, who is chief of radiology at El Centro Regional Medical Center is also founder of Children’s Foundation of Imperial Valley. “It’s wonderful helping the kids of the Valley and we appreciate the Ronald McDonald House being here today,” he said.
Praising RMHC for its excellent service was Claudia Venaga, whose child was undergoing medical care for cancer recently. “It’s amazing but we never thought we would need it,” she admitted. “But, oh my God, when you’re there you think of how important it is to donate.”
Needing surgery and recovery at Rady Children’s Hospital was one of Ruth Silva’s children who also was a guest of RMHC. “It’s great, they help you out a lot and help out low-income people of the Valley — it’s wonderful,” said Silva. Having been born prematurely at just two pounds, Pauline Rocha’s son, Noah Trinidad, also needed care at Rady Chil- dren’s Hospital. “Overall what they did for him was excellent,” said Rocha. “The staff was awesome. It’s the best place to take your kid.”
And the hospitality they received at RMHC was overwhelming Rocha added.
She appreciated seeing so many families able to relax at the picnic, it was like a festival of joy, she remarked. “It’s amazing how much RMHC is needed just by the Valley,” she said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
“Anything you needed they helped with. They treated you like family and the environment provided all the resources for you.”
Enrolling families staying at RMHC is Olga Arteaga, guest services associate.