STANFORD, Calif. - Players from Stanford's women's gymnastics and softball teams visited the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford on Saturday, the fourth event in this year's Cardinal in the Community program.
Ronald McDonald House provides a supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses being treated at local hospitals. Founded in 1974, Ronald McDonald House continues to expand its effort to build communities for families facing the challenges associated with serious illness.
"The House is a place where seriously-ill children and their families stay while the children are being treated," said Sarah Reichanadter, Family Activities Coordinator for Ronald Mcdonald House. "Having events like the one that Stanford University is doing really help to alleviate the waiting periods so many families are experiencing. These events truly uphold our mission of creating a "home-away-from-home" for our families. They provide a distraction for the seriously ill child, the confused sibling and the struggling parent. We're so thankful to have such a supportive community that understands the importance of helping people and supporting local organizations, like ourselves."
Stanford's student-athletes spent more than two hours at the event working with a range of kids from toddlers to teenagers. The group gathered around tables in the common area of the facility and decorated ornaments, gingerbread men, snowmen, candy cane reindeer and other holiday arts and crafts. As new friendships were made, the kids were able to enjoy a reprieve from the day-to-day challenges of battling a serious illness.
"It's a great way to get involved in the Palo Alto community, said softball player Corey Hanewich. "It's important to help people who may not be able to celebrate the holidays."
As the event drew to a close, many of the kids placed their newly decorated ornaments on the Christmas tree in Ronald McDonald House lobby.
"Being here today definitely put's things in perspective," Caitlyn Purasaid. "Spending time with the kids is great, and who doesn't love arts and crafts, kids and glitter!"
About Cardinal for the Community: Cardinal for the Community connects Stanford student-athletes with community groups to build sustainable partnerships and support the surrounding community. C4C is supported by Stanford Athletics and the Haas Center for Public Service. For more information visit http://www.gostanford.com/community