In Washoe County, families of kids who are hospitalized for long periods of time have a home away from home thanks to the Ronald McDonald House. The non-profit offers this service and many more thanks to fundraisers like their upcoming golf tournament.
The house has space for up to 12 families at a time. Not too many years ago, the Norvell family spent many days and nights there.
Today, full of mischief and energy, five-year old Asher defies the odds life dealt him when he was born suddenly at just 25 weeks and 5 days.
"I delivered in my pants at one pound, 14 ounces. So he was admitted to the Renown NICU where he spent the first 146 days of his life,” remembers mom, Charlene, whose eyes still water at the memory.
Little Asher would eventually spend 284 days at Renown, though shortly after giving birth, mom, Charlene Norvell was discharged from the hospital: "And they introduced me to the Ronald McDonald House so that me and my older son, Landon, who was almost two at the time could stay here."
“We want to provide comfort,” shares Matt Vaughan, the Events and Marketing Coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern Nevada, “The way I like put it, we like to provide some normalcy in the midst of chaos."
Normalcy, like a kitchen for home cooked meals, a yard to play in, and a place to call home.
"Saving me the hours on the road, because I lived in Susanville when I first had Asher."
They also allowed time for brothers Landon and Asher to develop their inseparable bond.
Just steps away from the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House lets families stay as long as needed, at virtually no cost to them.
"That all comes from local support, local dollars, people in the community,” says Vaughan.
Ten percent of the non-profit's operating budget comes from local McDonald’s, but the rest has to be donated or raised.
"We've got our golf tournament coming up on May 31st,” explains Vaughan, “It's gonna be out a Red Hawk.”
It’s the same tournament that raised the money to build the Ronald McDonald House more than three decades ago.
Team spots are still available for the 34th Annual tournament.
As for the Norvell family, they've since moved to the Reno area, and Asher - spirited as ever - is thriving: "He's playing soccer, he's playing T-Ball, he's amazing, the world,” smile mom, proudly.
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To secure a team, visit www.rmhc-reno.org or call (775) 322-4663.
For additional information or media inquiries, email Matt Vaughan at Matt@rmhc-reno.org
or call (775) 322-4663.
