25 Oct Surrounded by Love
“We’ve been traveling to Akron for treatment ever since Annie was born. Originally, I didn’t even realize we could stay at the Ronald McDonald House OR what it would mean for us.” Sara Taggart reflects on her 11-year-old daughter Annie’s medical treatments due to her genetic conditions of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, and dwarfism.
Sara, her husband Adam, and their four children live 90 miles away in Jewett, Ohio. “I would drive back and forth with all the kids each time.” Annie has two older brothers, Troy (15) and Ty (14), and a younger sister April, now six. When Annie had her three-day infusion therapies, they made the hour-and-40-minute drive each way and spent the day together in the infusion center. “My kids do online school, so It was possible, but difficult and expensive.”
Trips for treatment changed about a year ago when the Taggarts began using the Ronald McDonald House.
I wish we'd started staying here sooner. All of us are happier, more rested, and less stressed.
The family has stayed eight times since October 2023, each stay up to five nights. During those visits, they have made strong connections. Sara shares fond memories of staff members she and the kids have come to know by name. “We look forward to seeing the people. Truly the people are what makes the House a home-away-from-home.”
Beyond a place to stay and the caring staff, there are the amenities and personal touches. “The home-cooked meals, especially after coming from a day at the hospital, are so appreciated.”
We especially LOVE coming to the House when the volunteers are baking the cookies—the whole house smells so sweet and delicious—it makes you feel surrounded by love!
The easing of financial burdens makes a huge difference for the Taggarts and their wellness. “Having a special kiddo is hard for the whole family and costs add up. I would not financially be able to do this without you.” Beyond meals, gas, parking and medical expenses, there are those special extras. Sara and her family have used donated tickets for activities in the community as well. “We’ve met Superheroes, been to the zoo, RubberDucks games, the Children’s Museum—activities that I could not otherwise do—just too expensive for all of us.”
It takes the focus off the hospital. The kids remember the fun times instead of the hospital.
Special occasions are not missed either. They’ve celebrated several birthdays while at the House. Sara recounts a particular memory.
“We had spent the day at the hospital with Annie to come back to the house and find a birthday present for Troy, a Lego set, with a card from workers and volunteers. It made Troy feel so special and put a huge smile on his face!”
As she shares her experiences, Sara underscores she knows it’s more than the caring people she sees that make all this happen—it takes donors, community members, foundations, government support and more.