Volunteer Mary Reck has created an inviting atmosphere for families at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital for over six years.
Did you know that the four St. Louis-area in-hospital Ronald McDonald Family Rooms served more than 9,000 families last year? At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, nearly 2,900 families found comfort and care inside the Ronald McDonald Family Room, located just steps away from their child’s hospital room.
There to welcome these families into this unique space are dedicated and passionate volunteers like Mary Reck, a retired special education and early childhood education teacher.
Mary first learned about RMHC in 2014 from her sister – an RMHC volunteer in San Francisco – who suggested Mary look into helping her local chapter. Now, six years later, Mary spends part of her Thursdays in the Family Room, wiping down counters, making coffee, greeting and registering guests, and doing her best to meet the needs of families.
“I am proud of the Room and want it to be a clean and welcoming environment for families who are going through the stress of having a sick child,” says Mary.
According to Mary, the best part about volunteering at RMHC is a positive atmosphere and genuine appreciation from the families.
“During this trying time in their lives, their optimism and faith lift me up as I try to lift theirs,” Mary says as she recounts families sharing their stories, photo updates on their phones or milestones they can celebrate together.
We could not be more grateful for our dedicated community of 300 volunteers, like Mary, in our Ronald McDonald Family Room Program.