Episode Description

What happens when your child is sick and you need to be close—but also need a place to sleep, eat, and breathe?

In this powerful episode, Jessica sits down with Holly Buckendahl, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, to talk about the critical (and often misunderstood) work of Ronald McDonald House (RMH).

As both a nonprofit leader and a mom, Holly shares how RMH supports entire families through some of the hardest days of their lives. From hospital-adjacent “mini Ronald McDonald House” to full-service family houses to mobile medical units, RMH is doing more than most people realize—and this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how it all works.

Jessica also shares her personal story of staying at the Ronald McDonald House after her son’s NICU birth, and why this conversation is especially meaningful to record.

Main Topics Covered

• The mission behind Ronald McDonald House and who they serve
• The difference between family rooms, houses, and mobile medical units
• What it actually looks like to stay at a Ronald McDonald House
• Volunteer stories, funny moments, and the power of showing up
• How RMH partners with hospital networks and McDonald’s
• Ways to support RMH: volunteer roles, wish list donations, Round-Up at checkout
• What’s ahead for the organization, including an upcoming rebrand

Resources Mentioned

• RMH Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
• RMH National Website
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Ways to Give
• Upcoming Fundraising Events

Connect with Ronald McDonald House 

• Website: www.ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago.org/
• Instagram: @ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago
• Facebook: @ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago
• YouTube: @ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago

This episode is sponsored by Collabs Creative - a digital marketing company supporting makers, creatives, and small business owners with all things digital and design.

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