{"id":616,"date":"2017-03-30T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2017-03-30T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=616"},"modified":"2017-03-29T18:24:49","modified_gmt":"2017-03-29T22:24:49","slug":"ronald-mcdonald-house-charities-of-cny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=616","title":{"rendered":"Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Through a Mother&#8217;s Eyes<\/h1>\n<p><em>Photography and story provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York<\/em><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York operates the CNY Ronald McDonald House 24 hours a day, year-round, for families whose children are hospitalized with serious illnesses or injuries. For just $25 a night per family, the house provides the convenience of a comfortable room and warm bed, a homecooked meal, and support and compassion. For 35 years, the fully-accessible CNY Ronald McDonald House has helped families from 48 counties in New York, as well those from across the country and world traveling to Syracuse for medical care.<\/p>\n<p>The Mills family is one of them. Alicia and Fred Mills\u2019 daughter Gianna was a pediatric cardiology patient undergoing surgery in Syracuse. Gianna\u2019s grandparents, Robert and Erica Lilly, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House to care for Gianna\u2019s older sister, Katalaya.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This is their story, as told by Alicia: <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Last year, we were shocked when we learned that our 7-month old baby girl, Gianna, would need to undergo open-heart surgery to fix a congenital heart defect. Originally, we had only traveled to Syracuse because Gianna was experiencing some breathing issues that were thought to be related to acid reflux. No one thought it was anything related to her heart; even an initial ultrasound ruled out any heart concerns. But at a precautionary follow-up appointment at Pediatric Cardiology Associates of CNY, a more extensive ultrasound was performed, and it found the holes in her heart.<\/p>\n<p>Upon receiving the news, we were introduced to the CNY Ronald McDonald House. Prior to our stay, we had no idea what the House entailed. We explored the website and were amazed with what we saw and read. We didn\u2019t think it could be true that the amazing services offered were available at such a low cost or for free. That\u2019s when I knew that the burden of the open-heart surgery would be lessened because our entire family, including our 4-year-old daughter Katalaya, could stay close by the hospital. My parents were even able to stay at the House with us to help care for Katalaya and provide added support.<\/p>\n<p>We spent 11 days in Syracuse last October at the CNY Ronald McDonald House, and it was a huge blessing to our family. The beautiful facility enabled us to be together daily, while also providing meals, transportation to the hospital and emotional support during a very difficult time for all of us. It also gave Katalaya and her grandparents a place to call home while my husband and I were up at the hospital with Gianna.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, Gianna had a successful surgery. Since we have returned home, we have been inspired to give back to the House and tell people about how amazing it was during our time of crisis. This past February, in honor of Gianna\u2019s recovery and first birthday, we had a heart-themed birthday party to celebrate and asked people to donate to the CNY Ronald McDonald House in lieu of presents. Coincidentally, February was also Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month, so it tied in nicely with our party\u2019s theme. In addition, the fourth grade \u201cCaring Council\u201d at SpencerVan Etten Elementary School where I teach has been collecting wish list items and monetary donations for the House.<\/p>\n<p>We are truly thankful for all of the staff, volunteers and community supporters involved with the CNY Ronald McDonald House. Thank you! <strong><em>SWM <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>To help raise much-needed funds for the nonprofit organization, community members are invited to the ninth annual Bella Casa Fashion Show on Tuesday, April 11, at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool. The event features a fashion show where more than 50 community members model the latest fashions from local shops and boutiques. The evening also includes more than 30 vendors selling clothing, jewelry, accessories and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction featuring a mobile bidding capability allowing participants to bid on various themed baskets directly from their own cell phones. Hors d\u2019oeuvres, food stations, a cash bar, desserts, coffee and live entertainment will be enjoyed throughout the evening. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York, how you can help or to make a donation, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/rmhcny.org\" target=\"_blank\">rmhcny.org<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Through a Mother&#8217;s Eyes Photography and story provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[180,172,179],"class_list":["post-616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-causes","tag-alicia-mills","tag-april-2017","tag-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities-of-cny"],"gutentor_comment":0,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Z_Special-feature_RMH2_ONLINE.jpg?fit=5200%2C3466&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1658,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1658","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":0},"title":"Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY","author":"Staff","date":"March 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Keeping Families Close in Syracuse\u00a0 Story and photos submitted by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York operates the CNY Ronald McDonald House 24 hours a day, year-round, for families whose children are seriously ill and receiving treatment at Syracuse-area hospitals\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Causes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steed-Family-01-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steed-Family-01-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steed-Family-01-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steed-Family-01-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Steed-Family-01-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C795&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2662,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2662","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":1},"title":"INSPIRE: Beth Trunfio, Ronald McDonald House","author":"Staff","date":"November 3, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"By Alyssa Dearborn \u00a0 Beth Trunfio\u2019s fingerprints are everywhere at the Ronald McDonald House in Syracuse. Celebrating her 20-year anniversary with the local organization \u2014 a significant milestone for anyone \u2014 Trunfio instills a sense of community, hard-work, and perseverance in everything she does. \u201cThis living room where we\u2019re seated\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Causes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/fullsizeoutput-10870.jpeg?fit=799%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/fullsizeoutput-10870.jpeg?fit=799%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/fullsizeoutput-10870.jpeg?fit=799%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/fullsizeoutput-10870.jpeg?fit=799%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2588,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2588","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":2},"title":"CNY Diaper Bank announces opportunities to help keep local babies dry, clean and healthy during \u201cDiaper Need Awareness Week\u201d","author":"Sarah Hall","date":"September 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The\u00a0CNY Diaper Bank, a local nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, encourages community members to participate in its activities in honor of National Diaper Need Awareness Week Sept. 23-29. The week was created in 2012 by the\u00a0National Diaper Bank Network\u00a0to raise awareness and mobilize efforts to end local\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Causes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/diapers-2.jpg?fit=522%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2891,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2891","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":3},"title":"CNY Diaper Bank establishes COVID-19 crisis fund for local families","author":"Sarah Hall","date":"March 24, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Donations will allow the nonprofit to respond to increased diaper need in CNY \u00a0 The CNY Diaper Bank, a local nonprofit that collects diapers for families in need, is asking Central New York community members to consider contributing to the organization\u2019s COVID-19 crisis fund. Monetary donations can be made directly\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Causes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/diapers-2.jpg?fit=522%2C400&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":849,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=849","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":4},"title":"Carmen Gonzalez","author":"Staff","date":"June 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"A Heart of Gold Warms the Hearts of Many By Alison Grimes | Photography provided by CNY Latino Carmen Gonzalez was a chef from a young age. Learning her mother\u2019s recipes early in life, she started cooking by the age of 10. Years later \u2014 nearly 30 years ago \u2014\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Features&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=101"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/CNY-Latina_0717.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/CNY-Latina_0717.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/CNY-Latina_0717.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/CNY-Latina_0717.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/CNY-Latina_0717.jpg?fit=1200%2C806&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2346,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2346","url_meta":{"origin":616,"position":5},"title":"FOR A GOOD CAUSE: CNY Works: Lenore Sealy, Executive Director","author":"Sarah Hall","date":"April 1, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Tell me in your own words about what CNY Works does. CNY Works is a not for profit (501 (c)(3)) corporation and serves as the Onondaga County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB). CNY Works\u2019 mission is to develop, attract, maintain and retain a workforce that will support economic prosperity for the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Causes&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Causes","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=104"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lenore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C811&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lenore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C811&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lenore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C811&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lenore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C811&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Lenore-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C811&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":617,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions\/617"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}