Each week, Izzy Hall came to Missoula for neurofeedback therapy. And each week, there was one part of the trip the 12-year-old looked forward to.
Staying at Ronald McDonald House Missoula.
“She was relaxed there. She felt comfortable,” her mom, Abby Hall, said. “Rather than dreading another trip away from home for treatment, she was excited to come back.”
Izzy looked forward to the small gifts waiting for her. Staff remembered things the family liked from week-to-week and even let them know when a favorite meal was being served. There were stories, hugs and warm welcomes whenever they returned.
“Those may sound like small gestures, but when you’re repeatedly traveling away from home for your child’s medical care, those little touches mean so much,” Abby said.
For the Hall family, staying at Ronald McDonald House provided something a hotel room couldn’t – a sense of belonging. With each weekly visit, familiar faces were waiting. Staff members knew the family, cared about Izzy and were happy to see them again.
Today, Izzy continues to make progress. After a successful seventh-grade year, she is starting eighth grade and continuing to follow up with her care team.
Families stay at Ronald McDonald House for many different reasons. But no matter what brings a family through the doors, Abby knows how much it can mean to have a place where they feel welcomed and cared for.
“For our family, Ronald McDonald House means friendship, caring and hope,” she said. “It gave Izzy a place where traveling for medical care didn’t feel quite so medical. It felt like coming home.”
