Ronald McDonald House(R) and Friends Transform 'Secret Garden' for Families

The “secret garden” of the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center received a makeover from landscaping company Brickman Group on Aug. 27, transforming the House’s existing garden space into a place of fun, relaxation and beauty.

The centerpiece of the project – a new tree planted in the island of the Children’s Garden – was dedicated to the Wicab family of Belize as part of Brickman Group’s annual company Founder’s Day celebration.

The Wicabs were visiting family in the U.S. in 2013 when then 15-year-old Jadisha fell into a coma and was subsequently diagnosed with Leukemia, requiring her to stay in Chicago for care, where she receives chemotherapy treatments. On Aug. 27, 125 Brickman employees transformed the “secret garden” of the House for the enjoyment of the Wicabs and all of the other families who find comfort, care and togetherness at the House while their children receive life-saving care at nearby Loyola University Medical Center and Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago.

All materials and labor for the transformation, valued at more than $50,000, were donated by Brickman Group, including an interactive Children’s Garden – with vegetables, flowers and winding paths – a wheelchair-accessible paver pathway, perennial plantings and the large tree planted in the Wicab family’s name.