The Zipper Club Serves Spaghetti

When Zachary was in the hospital up in Ann Arbor, the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) was an incredible place to stay. It was our home away from home, but also a place we could meet other parents who were going through a similar and difficult time, many whose children also had heart defects similar to Zachy's. We met most of these families at dinner, a special time for RMH residents. Nearly every night, a group of volunteers brought dinner for the 29 families staying there. It was a time to look forward to--a time to get away from the doldrums and tension of the hospital, a time to meet and converse with others like ourselves, a time enjoy a tasty meal without having to worry about groceries or cooking. We so appreciated the gift of food these volunteers provided that we wanted to help out in a similar way back home.

So last spring, once Zachary was stable and thriving, we visited a local RMH (near Wesley Hospital) and served dinner in his honor. Tonight we finally got up the nerve to take all the boys and serve dinner at our other local RMH near Via Christi-St. Francis. Thanks to Grandma and Papa, the boys were kept under control!
Posing on the screened porch of the Midtown Ronald McDonald House. What's up with the shirts? U of M, of course, is the University of Michigan, the hospital where Zachary was born and had his heart surgeries. Zachy's shirt says "Zipper Club Member" and ours say "Zipper Club Supporter." The Zipper Club is that exclusive group of kids with very special hearts. Doctors need to unzip their chests for regular maintenance! These shirts were sent to us by the family of a U of M heart transplant recipient, 11 year-old Brittney. Brittney had a healthy childhood until just last November, when she got very sick and was diagnosed with genetic cardiomyopathy. She was listed for transplant and received a new heart just six days later in early December. Today Brittney is doing great, attending school, and very grateful for her angel heart. You can read up on her story here. Thanks so much, Butcher Family, for the encouragement, the prayers, and the stylish T's. We will wear them with pride!!!


Joseph, Alex, David, and Samuel discover lots of fun in the RMH playroom.

Alex and David relax on the house's screened porch.

Zachy samples Grandma's spaghetti and meatballs.

Waving "hi" with Papa.


We forgot my sippy cup at home!

You say I can't have chocolate until my first birthday?

Then I'll just help myself anyway!

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:16 AM

    Love the photos!! RMH is the best!! Kandi Butcher

    ReplyDelete
  2. LaurenSeptember 28, 2009 at 6:31 AM

    Oh my adorable photos! Love the shirts! And LOVE that you helped out at a RMH! Even though my parents never stayed at the RMH (because they lived only 30mins away from the hospital) they are still an awesome organization. LOTS of **Heart Hugs** and prayers sent your way!

    With LOTS of Hope, Love, and Faith,
    Lauren (22yr. old w/Tricuspid Atresia aka HRHS)
    Blog: www.laurensheart.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. ShannonLeidekerSeptember 28, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    What a wonderful thing you and your family did!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 29, 2009 at 5:47 PM

    It's really hard to understand how much something like a dinner can mean so much. I agree that the dinner's were wonderful while staying at AA. I'm glad you and your whole family were able to give back.

    Michelle Dickson

    PS I love the T-Shirts!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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