"We were always greeted with a smile and someone eagerly asking how our son was doing," said Amber. "Each day, the staff and volunteers made it their mission to meet a need of ours. Whether they offered us a warm meal, a listening ear, or community resources, they were there when we needed them most. When we discovered the fee for our 20-night stay at Ronald McDonald House was covered by an anonymous donor, we immediately felt additional weight taken off of our shoulders.”

Today, Walker is a happy and healthy two and a half year old who keeps his parents on their toes. The Marretts are just one of many families who called Ronald McDonald House their "home away from home" while their seriously ill child was treated in the hospital.

Please consider making a Gift of Love this holiday season to help future families in the Four-State Area find comfort, support and joy at Ronald McDonald House or the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mercy Hospital Joplin.

21st Annual Gift of Light, Gift of Love