Marissa is a 2X NICU mom who has benefited from staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Marissa and her family stayed in the Ronald McDonald House once in 2023 and another time in 2024. Marissa and her family have utilized all the services and benefits that our House offers families to make sure that it is a true home away from home. 

"Becoming a mother was a challenging part of life but having a premature baby for the first time was even harder. If we didn't have the Ronald McDonald House both times, we would have been struggling to care for our children while still working and trying to care for both children."

Marissa is passionate about what Ronald McDonald House has to offer because she knows how it feels to feel hopeless and lost.

"The Ronald McDonald House gives you hope and comfort in times when you feel like you have lost everything. When your child has a bad day at the hospital, you know that you can walk into the Ronald McDonald House and have joy and love brought to you. You know that, no matter what, everyone that you meet and those that help you will always be there for you and your family. I want to be able to provide that hope and comfort to other families. You never know what parents are facing, but you can always have peace knowing that a hot meal will be provided, a home away from home will be provided, and a simple hug and smile will always be given."