I sit here writing this while snuggling Nadine "DD" Bruno. She enjoys hide and seek, can count to 12, and is generous. She is the strongest and bravest person I know.
In the winter of 2023, my husband, Paul, and I received devastating news. The baby growing inside me at 28.5 weeks was going to be born with unknown birth defects. Many specialists referred us on, until I reached John Hopkins. Even there, they couldn't be certain of DD's diagnosis or outcome. Already a mom to a 13 month old, Lolli, I became quickly overwhelmed with the symptoms of a unique pregnancy. My nesting turned to grief. A nursery wasn't set up, we turned inward and became isolated.
Once we had a plan in place for DD's birth, we started to look for a home to rent in Baltimore for an unknown period of time, not knowing if she would even make it home. That's when Ronald McDonald House charities gave us a home for the duration of DD's hospital stay. It wasn't just a home; it was a community. There were other siblings for Lolli to play with while we focused on keeping DD alive. The support of the staff and volunteers was selfless. I am incredibly grateful for the Super Heros, Mario (the staff member, not the video game character), therapy dogs and crafts.
Being a guest of the Ronald McDonald House fills me with mixed emotions - excitement, grief, anger, anxiety, happiness. We were able to trudge the difficult medical road surrounded by families that could commiserate and celebrate. We shared the darkest moments together sitting around the kitchen and play room. Tears of joy filled the home each time the "bell rang" and another child's treatment was complete.
Having meals prepared, sanitary essentials, and an endless supply of Mickey D's coffee was a blessing. The games, toys, and playground left a positive memory in our unaffected daughter, Lolli. The House allowed Lolli remain a child during our struggle to bring Nadine home. It makes my heart so happy her experience was a net positive to her life!
Nadine was born with a large cyst in her intestine. She received life-saving surgery on her first day of life and was placed on life support shortly thereafter. She endured a lot of pain but would still find reasons to smile. I had to detangle over a dozen cords and tubes to hold her. The hardest days were when I was kept from her. I could go back to the house and cry and the fellow housemates could relate. The staff listen with empathy and let us cry openly and often. It was a 'pick-me-up' anytime we ran into other RMHC families roaming the halls of Hopkins or playing in the sunny courtyard. We could pretend to be normal for a few moments.
Shortly after DD's second surgery, two months after the first, she was released to come home! We happily rang the bell!
Thank you for visiting our Team fundraising page for the 2025 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maryland Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run & Walk! RMHC Maryland is an independent non-profit organization, which means the community and supporters (like you!) provide 100% of RMHC Maryland's annual operating budget. Your gift today allows the Ronald McDonald House to continue providing refuge, compassion, encouragement and sustenance for 2,400 families a year, who come to the Ronald McDonald House in the most difficult of circumstances.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Thank you for supporting the Ronald McDonald House’s mission of keeping families together when they need it most. You are what makes RMH the House that Love Built.
