30 Sep Lily’s Story
I’m Lily and this is the rest of our family – my dad, Ryan, and my sisters, Leah, and Gemma. We traveled from Buffalo, NY, to seek care in Philadelphia at Rogers’ Behavioral Health this past spring for my severe OCD/anxiety diagnoses. We are honored to be here to celebrate the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House’s 50th Anniversary.
Our stay in Philadelphia started out rough. We were unfamiliar with the area and initially stayed in an area that ended up being unsafe. Our care team at Rogers recommended the Ronald McDonald House as a place for us to stay for the remaining 45 days of Lily’s treatment. After speaking with social worker Liz and seeing the virtual tour of the house, we were very excited for this opportunity.
We had no idea how lucky we would be to have a room at the Ronald McDonald House – the house exceeded our expectations from the moment we walked in the door. From the smiling staff at the main desk, to the amazing volunteers, chefs, social workers, teachers, staff, and other families staying at the house, it truly felt like a home. Not only did this offer a therapeutic and home like setting for Lily and our family, but this also alleviated some of the stress related to finances while living away from home for 2 months. As we all know, the cost of living has increased dramatically over the recent years. The house offered us a place to stay without the heavy financial burden of a hotel, groceries, or frequent take-out meals. It is incredible that, finances aside, no one is turned away from the house. Going from working as a full time Nurse Practitioner to working less than 20 hours per week was a huge cut for us; however, I was also lucky to be able to work virtually while staying at the house. With the use of the wi-fi throughout the house (even outside in the beautiful garden area!), availability of printers as needed, and quiet work areas, I was able to make necessary patient calls and complete virtual visits during our stay.
My care at Rogers was intense but was exactly what I needed, and with an incredible clinical team. It was 6 hours per day, 5 days per week of OCD therapy, with exposure homework outside of the therapy hours. The Ronald McDonald House offered so many natural exposures for me and offered many ways for me to grow and to battle my OCD. Volunteer coordinators Karoline and Annet were always checking in on me to make sure that there were activities that interested me, and that I was comfortable participating in the activities that were offered. I had fun engaging in art therapy (and drawing the platypus with volunteer Jenny!), music therapy, and pet therapy, and enjoying all the entertainment in the house including the air hockey table, basketball, and video games. I was also able to go on a field trip to Ollie’s Orchestra and to a Phillies game – both of which were huge exposure opportunities, and I had a fantastic time thanks to the house staff and new friends she made!
When it comes to medical care, I think it is natural for most of us to think of more obvious issues – surgery, heart issues, cancer care. But like physical ailments, there are also needs for patients with mental health concerns. We are so fortunate that the Ronald McDonald House recognizes patients with mental health needs and that we were included and eligible to stay while I received my care at Rogers. OCD/anxiety is just one of many mental health diagnoses that are not fully understood by the public in terms of the symptoms, treatment needs, and long-term care required. We are hopeful that mental health care will receive more attention and support, as it deserves, and that access improves for patients who really need it. For other kids seeking mental health care in Philadelphia, they are in great hands knowing that Ronald McDonald House is a resource for those who travel for the care that they cannot find locally.
We want to say THANK YOU to the donors who give to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald house, and to all the staff and volunteers. We cannot envision our journey without the support that we received. Being in a home like setting, surrounded by support versus living more isolated and out of a hotel room made all the difference in my care and experience in Philadelphia. We will be forever grateful. You have touched our lives forever – thank you.