Past Families Return to Celebrate Ronald McDonald House's 20th Birthday

This Saturday, July 18, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwestern Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) reaches another milestone as the House near Loyola University Medical Center celebrates 20 years of keeping families together when it matters most, through times of healing. With a newly renovated kitchen, the Loyola House is welcoming past families, community members, volunteers and founding board members from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to commemorate the occasion with house tours, food, carnival games and live music.

The Piver family plans to travel from Ohio for the event. Originally from the Chicagoland area, the Pivers stayed in the Loyola Ronald McDonald House when their son Cody was born 13 weeks premature in September 2003. At birth, Cody was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain bleed and given only a 40 percent chance of survival. Even if he pulled through, doctors said, his quality of life could be poor. Facing a grim prognosis, the Piver family found comfort in the Loyola Ronald McDonald House community. Inspired by the power of togetherness, the Pivers persevered through this difficult time with the support of the Ronald McDonald House families, volunteers and staff.

Nowadays, the 11-year-old Cody is a determined fifth grade student who enjoys playing the trombone in the school band. He has an unmatched love of reptiles and is a John Deere expert. Although he has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Autism, Cody has risen above his medical obstacles and battled through numerous surgeries, procedures and rehab sessions. Empowered by the love and support they received from Ronald McDonald House through the years, the Pivers are determined to live life to its fullest and face each challenge together.

Always located in close proximity to major children’s hospitals, RMHC®-CNI aims to provide a “home away from home” to keep families together while their child is receiving medical treatment far from home. For more information visit: http://www.RonaldHouseChicago.org/.