Before being referred to Ronald McDonald House Atlanta, Mandy Coast and her children spent nights sleeping on a small hospital couch bed, a recliner, and in a wagon with blankets and pillows – all to stay by her son Parker’s side in the hospital.
Parker Coast has been through five surgeries and three gastrointestinal procedures in just two months. “It has taken a toll on our family, finances, transportation, routine, and just overall been completely stressful,” said Mandy.
During one of Parker’s hospital stays, he was admitted to an overflow floor. Having less space in the room and nurses she was unfamiliar with, Mandy quickly became overwhelmed. When she found out her and her children could stay at Ronald McDonald House Atlanta, everything changed.
Walking into the House for the first time, the Coast family were amazed by the large rooms, treehouse playscape, the game room, and much more.
“Ronald McDonald House Atlanta relieves so much for you – the cost of food, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and traveling distance,” said Mandy. “Being able to get some self-care in while you worry about your child takes a lot off your shoulders.”
Mandy also expressed her gratitude for Ronald McDonald House Atlanta’s partnership with Pigtails & Crewcuts in Buckhead, which allowed her and her children to receive free haircuts – relieving an additional stressor for her with school approaching.
For Mandy, Ronald McDonald House Atlanta provides peace of mind knowing her son’s care is just minutes away. “Our stay thus far has been nothing short of a miracle for us,” said Mandy. “We’ve been able to eat, sleep, rest, and get to our hospitalized son in three to five minutes.”
At Ronald McDonald House Atlanta, it’s our privilege to provide a home-away-from-home for families like the Coasts as they walk through their child’s medical journey.
