Big sister Eliana (left) wanted to stay as close as possible to Serena (right), after her surgery.
Elan and Julian Mullen were thrilled by the birth of their daughter in 2010. Serena was born petite and beautiful, with full little lips and an eagerness to join the world! But even before her birth, doctors knew she had a heart defect that required surgery.
At only three months old, little Serena pulled through her surgery successfully. Yet her recovery still necessitated close monitoring.
The commute to Rady Children's Hospital from their Oceanside home was long for Elan, Julian and their two-year-old daughter, Eliana, who wanted to stay as close to Serena as possible. That contact with family, the people who loved Serena most, was critical to her recovery.
Happily, the whole Mullen family could stay together—and be just steps from Serena—at San Diego's Ronald McDonald House. The House provided welcoming guest suites; served hot, delicious meals; and friendly staff made the entire family feel cared for. Eliana called it her "who-tel"!
Serena's recovery went well. Today she's eight years old, plays sports and loves to dive!
The Mullen family today. Left to right: Elan, Acacia (born 2012), Julian, Serena and Eliana.
Grandmother Sandy wanted to express her gratitude for the valuable care her family experienced at the House, but also to help future families. So she made a single monetary donation and later set up a monthly pledge.
As time passed, Sandy learned more about how San Diego's Ronald McDonald House cares for entire families: providing an on-site TK-12 school, outdoor play spaces, free laundry facilities and many more essential services.
Her appreciation grew, so Sandy made an IRA taxfree distribution. The House's website even provided an easy-to-use sample form for completing the gift. Sandy was pleased that in just minutes, she could ensure several new families would be cared for—just like hers.
One simple gift, like an IRA taxfree distribution, can be whatever size fits your needs. And it's easy to arrange.
We're grateful that generous, forward-thinking donors like Sandy make these essential services possible now and for many years to come!