“They asked what religion we were, as the Chaplain wanted to bless Cole,” said Schutrop. “We hadn’t even talked with the doctors yet, but the Chaplain said, ‘He’s not going to make it through the night.’ We prayed all night. The doctors finally told us in the morning he was trying to take out his breathing tube. He was a fighter, and that was a good sign.”
Cole ended up spending a total of 28 days in the hospital and his folks needed a place close by to stay. The Ronald McDonald House was just the place.
“We had already spent all of our money on hotels,” said Schutrop. “I wouldn’t wish what we went through on anyone. When something like this happens, you rush to get to the hospital, and don’t have time to grab anything. The staff at the McDonald house made us feel like one of the family while we were there. They supplied everything we needed. They are amazing.”
On August 7th, Cole, now 5 years old, revisited the Ronald McDonald house, and he wasn’t alone. Hundreds of kids and their families attended a reunion for those who had resided at the McDonald house in the past few years. There were games, face painting, necklace and bracelet making and refreshments for everyone. Doctors and other staff members visited with their former patients. Cole brought along a little something special to give back to others.
“Cole has been saving pop tabs to give to the house,” said Schutrop. “He has been collecting since he was about 3 and had a gallon jar full.”
Ronald McDonald houses are always in need of paper towels, toilet paper, toilet bowl cleaner, sanitizing wipes and other items. Anyone wishing to donate should contact the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester at (507) 282-3955 or visit www.rmhmn.org.
