Guest Stories

The Roballo Family

By the time Connor Roballo was three weeks old, he already was at his fifth hospital when he arrived at Women & Infants' Hospital in Providence. Born four weeks premature, Connor had an array of medical problems that mystified doctors and were so severe that at one point his parents were told he might have a fatal disorder. His family, reeling under unbearable stress,
had nowhere else to turn.

That’s when they found the Ronald McDonald House. The Roballos had been separated by little Connor’s illness. Father KC was with their 2-year-old daughter Jamie at their home, an hour away. Mother Mary had been staying at whatever hospital was treating Connor. That included sleeping sitting up in waiting-room chairs just two days after undergoing a C-section because she wasn’t going to leave her son.

In Providence, they were offered the chance to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.  The House provided not only physical comfort, but also peace of mind when they needed it most. Once the Roballos came to stay they were all close to Connor’s hospital. Jamie, who had missed her mother terribly, was able to see her mother and was surrounded by caring people who made her feel right at home. She loved the playground and still talks about all of the toys in the playroom. Just as important for Mary was that she was able to put her daughter to bed every night, and
get up with her each morning, and still have plenty of time to be with Connor at the hospital.

The story has a happy ending, too. Connor went home and now is healthy. The Roballos will never forget their 13 days spent at the Ronald McDonald House and will always be indebted to the volunteers at the Ronad McDonald House who helped them when they needed it the most.