Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteering Together to Help Others
My husband Chuck and I began to volunteer for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House through our association with Katie's Krusaders. Our daughter was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and was a patient of Dr. Halligan with St. Christopher's Oncology. During the time of her treatments, Katie Duffin was also an oncology patient. When Katie lost her battle with cancer, Katie's Krusaders was born, and a longstanding dream to build a House next to St. Christopher's Hospital was realized. Our association with St. Christopher's Hospital and the Duffin family led us to become part of this dream.
We have since watched this House materialize over time and blossom into the beautiful establishment that it is today. Being part of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House at Front & Erie is something of which we are very proud. As parents of a child who went through cancer treatments, surgeries, and long hospital stays, we have empathy for the guests who stay at PRMH due to our own personal experience. Chuck and I see the guests as we were nine years ago when our daughter was diagnosed: scared, confused, mentally and physically exhausted, and not knowing what the future would hold for our child. Our desire is to give them hope, comfort, and support that they desperately need.
Volunteering at PRMH is something that Chuck and I enjoy doing together. We want to do our part to make sure this very important home away from home environment is maintained to help keep families strong during this crisis period in their lives. Offering this comfortable and safe haven where families don't have to focus on anything else but their sick child means the world to those who have control over little else.
If you are considering volunteering at PRMH, when you see how you can help so many families with sick children through difficult times, even in a small way, you will be rewarded with an experience in which you will be proud to be involved.
Jo Montufar,
PRMH Volunteer
Find out more about volunteer opportunities at PRMH.
