PARENTS STAYING AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN CAMDEN GET HELP TO DE-STRESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CAMDEN, N.J. – In an effort to de-stress during the hectic holiday season, parents staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey have been learning to do some ‘downward dog’ and other yoga poses through a new wellness program taking place throughout December. Twice a week, instructors from Lululemon Athletica in Marlton have visited the House in Camden to offer a one-hour yoga session for parents of seriously ill children who are undergoing medical treatment at area hospitals.

“The families here have so much on their plate that it is often difficult for them to take time out and do something healthy for themselves,” said Ashley Koontz, 22, of Haddonfield who initially contacted the Ronald McDonald House about bringing the yoga program. “I remember volunteering here at the House with my Girl Scout troop many years ago and being touched by the families I met here. It inspired me to want to return and give back to the families here now.”

About a dozen parents, along with some of their children, have participated in the yoga sessions which take place in the activity room. Virginia Davila, who travelled from Lima, Peru, and has been staying at the House with her six-year old son since August, is grateful for the yoga sessions.

“I’ve really enjoyed doing the yoga here,” said Davila. “I had spinal surgery a few years back so the exercises have been extremely beneficial for me. It serves as a great way to release stress and helps with the backaches I occasionally experience as a result.”

Davila’s son, Manuel Humberto, has arthrogryposis – a rare condition involving joint contractures – and receives treatment at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Manuel and his mother have been away from their home in Peru for over four months now and will continue to stay through the holidays at the Ronald McDonald House in Camden.

“Everyone here has been so kind and generous,” said Davila. “Manuel absolutely loves it here. When he goes to the hospital for his treatment he tells me how much he looks forward to returning to his Ronald McDonald home.”

About Ronald McDonald House of SNJ

Located in Camden, Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey provides a home-away-from home for seriously ill children and their families. In addition to its residential facility in Camden, Ronald McDonald House operates Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, specially designed waiting areas in pediatric units of nine South Jersey hospitals, to assist families whose children are being treated in those facilities.

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