Heart
BEATS
January 26 - February 29 Every donated dollar goes directly to support the Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks. Located in Springfield, Missouri, the House near Cox South Hospital and the House at Mercy Children’s Hospital provide lodging, hope and comfort to families of seriously ill children who travel far from home for medical treatment. Over 10,600 families have benefited from the Houses since 1988. Annual operating expenses for the Houses exceed $900,000 – a need met by donations from people like you. Your Share a Heart donation will make a difference!
The Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks are grateful to the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Share a Heart Campaign, McDonald’s of the Ozarks, and these Associate Sponsors:
JANUARY 2016
During your visit to McDonald’s,® donate $1 (or more) to Share a Heart and benefit Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. You will receive a red, pink or gold heart with each donation on which to proudly sign your name. The signed paper hearts will be displayed on the walls and windows of more than 60 participating McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks. PLUS, every heart comes with an Official Entry Form for the March 2016 drawing to win a $1,000 gift card* from Great Southern Bank. Your donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks helps children and families in YOUR community! *Donation not necessary to receive an Official Entry Form. Official Entry Forms are available upon request at participating McDonald’s Restaurants from January 26-February 29, 2016. See Official Rules at participating McDonald’s locations for more details.
5
$
1 $ 2
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20
Every heart comes with an official entry to win a $1,000 gift card provided by Great Southern Bank.
Heart of the House Staff House Near Cox South
From The Happy Anniversary 1 Year
Karla Peck, House near Cox South Arin Williams, House near Cox South
20 Years
Shawn Gott, House near Cox South
25 Years
Clayton Keller, House near Cox South
Johnny Anderson Alaina Arner Haley Barnett Connie Benna John Blocker Maggie Bradley Tyler Brasfield Betty Breshears Tram Bui Paula Bunch Nadean Burnett Ashton Canfield Dave Canfield Phillip Canfield Vivian Carissimo Susan Carter Evelyn Close Camry Cowan Kathy Dennis Heather Cottle Dillon Audrey Dlabach Jan Dooly Judy Duncan Diana Edgington Kate Fletcher Lexie Gambino Autumn Garner Aden Gaulding
Avery Gaulding Heidi Gaulding Becky Gillham Sharon Gillham Shawn Gott Fabian Goyes Maria Goyes Amy Grubaugh Angela Hammond-Hill Darren Harrelson Laura Harrelson Mackenzie Harrelson Cindy Harris Liz Hayes Katie Herman Charity Hightree Link Hill Zoe Hill Gracie Holt Kathy Jenkins Paula Johns Clayton Keller Kennedy Keller Savannah Keller Randi Kerr Betty Kniep Julia Kovacs Victoria Kubitschek
Tyler Austin John Barron Josh Bell Michael Bohnert Allison Burkholder Kim Clift Jennie Crabbe Courtney Cramer Brooke Davis Audrey Dlabach Megan Dwyer Sandy Emberton Becky Farris
Terry Greer Ann Griesemer Leslie Hatch Brenda Havens Kaley Hawkinson Carri Hummer Jessi Hummer Jenni Jacka Lillian Jacka Tyler Jones MaKenzie Judy Courtney Krueger Katelin Krusz
Randy Slocum T.J. Slocum Dearicka Smith Mary Smith Rawn Spearman Noah Spigelman Kim Stagner Brianna Steiert Brandon Taylor Karen Taylor Kelsey Taylor Kristina Taylor Rich Taylor Lauren Teideman Linda Tenneson Ava Uzzell Sondra Uzzell Tristen Uzzell Abigail Weitzel Lucy Weitzel Joanna Weitzel Scott Weitzel Travis Weitzel Sara Westbrooks Sara Wilken Arin Williams Megan Zengel
Becky Lang Caroline Langley Linda Lebow Shawn Lowery Misty Manes Adrienne McCoy Sandra McNeive Amber Marmon Brittany Means Eileen Meinsen Larry Meinsen Sandy Morris Jordan Myers Abby Neumann Christian Nguyen Ana Ortiz Karla Peck Dani Peterson Kay Prost Kennedy Randles Cliff Ricketts Jan Ricketts Evan Roberts George Schlick Joan Schroeder Anne Schubert Jen Singletary Debbie Slocum
House At Mercy Children’s Hospital
Bridget Laib Angel Laukon Angel Le Barbara McBride Larry McBride Rebekah Mitts Alyssa Mondeaux Abby Monsees Miranda Nelson Erin Parsons Pooja Patel Jonathan Price Karrington Prohaska
Chandler Saner Mikaela Smith Vanessa Strathmann Amy Sullinger Serenity Sullinger Katelyn Sullivan Kirstin Terris Meagan Whitehead Debbie Williams Rebecca Won
Welcome, New Volunteers To Houses Meagan Whitehead, Kim Clift, Vanessa Strathmann and Leslie Hatch
Heart Beats is published monthly for volunteers of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Ozarks and The Tooth Truck, Inc. Editor: Staci Holland The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates: McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House logo, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, RMHC. The Tooth Truck name and logo are owned by The Tooth Truck, Inc.
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RMHC Staff President & CEO Bonnie Keller House Program Director Staci Holland Tooth Truck Program Director Mindy Muñoz Project Manager Amber Price Assistant to the President Debbie Kinser Development Assistant Kim Booth Administrative Assistant Debbi Gafner
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH House Manager Megan Schussler Associate House Manager Alicia Doran Assistant House Managers Karis Agnew Jacinda Canfield Taylor Croy Crosby Keller Kayla Love Sara Wikoff
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Associate House Manager Ely Wright Assistant House Managers Bethany Bishop Amy Crawford Bailey Ghan Hannah Major Melanie Ward
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Family Dinner
January Birthdays
Second Baptist Church
January 2 Amy Grubaugh Terri Libel
The members of Second Baptist Church have been providing meals for the families at the House near Cox South for several years. They enjoy making fun, themed meals each month. In November, they had a “stuffed” meal where everything was stuffed – crab meat zucchini boats, stew meat in pastry bowls, twice-baked potatoes, fruit cups and whoopee pie cookies. In December, they had a “red and green” themed meal with rosemary chicken, red potatoes and green bean casserole, pasta salad, and key lime pie and red Jell-O salad for dessert.
January 6 Lucy Weitzel January 10 Sara Wikoff January 12 Ely Wright Fabian Goyes
When did you start providing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House? Over 10 years ago – Gaila Ingram, who is part of our Sunday school class, informed us about the program. We also participate in the Cup O’Cheer Homes Tour every year.
January 15 Lauren Tiedeman Kim Stagner January 17 Tyler Jones Jonathan Price
What is your favorite thing about participating in the Family Dinner Program? We enjoy interacting with the families and praying for and with them.
January 18 Leslie Hatch January 20 Becky Gillham January 23 Jean Grabeel January 24 Chelsea Carroll
December Dinner Groups RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH
Amy Wood and Family April Marvin and Family Aubree Good and Family Becky Vitt and Friends BKD Senior Living Team Cerner Si3 Covenant Presbyterian Church Cox Health Neuro Trauma ICU Cox NICU Developmental Care Team First Christian Church of Ash Grove Galena FFA Girl Scout Troop #10017 Glendale Christian Church Home Depot Just Friends
Kettle Cookers Knights of Columbus Knights Templar Matt Creath and Family Mitchell Life Group Nixa Church of Nazarene Oak Grove Assembly of God Church Ozark Dialysis Saint Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church Youth Ministries Sandy McNeive and Family Second Baptist Church Shannon Gronniger and Family Springfield Catholic The Bradshaw Family
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Battlefield UMC BKD Senior Living Team The Bradshaw Family The Campbell Family The Carlson Family The Cayocca Family The Conrad Family East Sunshine Church of Christ Fair Grove NHS The Golden’s Hillcrest Presbyterian Church John Thomas School of Discovery Julie Gray & Friends
Louise Morgan Mercy Corporate Health and Wellness Mercy Communications Mercy Imaging Mercy Orthopedic Hospital Mychelle & Jen Ozarks Jeepthing The Patrick Family Payton’s Patriots Rod Wilfong and Family SBU Physical Therapy Students Second Baptist Small Group St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Youth Group
January 25 Kim Booth The Girlfriends The Glassman Family The Weitzel Family Union Hill Church of Christ Wellspring Ministries Zion Lutheran Church Open January Dinner Dates: January 22, 23, 28 & 29
January 27 TJ Slocum Diana Edgington January 30 Megan Blake
Open February Dinner Dates: February 1, 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, & 29
Take Charge Torch Club Turning Point Church Union Hill Church of Christ Wellington Hills Friends The Weitzel Family The Wilson Family Open January Dinner Dates: January 11, 12, 13, 18, & 29 Open February Dinner Dates: February 3, 4, 6, 17, 20, & 29
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Wish List HAPPY WHEELS WISH LIST Small bottles of lotion Mini hand sanitizers Activity books (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word finder) Small packs of crayons for the activity books Travel manicure sets Chapstick Individual packs of Kleenex Individually packaged snacks (Goldfish, granola bars, Teddy Grahams, gum, mints, Lifesavers, etc.) 12-ounce water bottles
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL HE Laundry detergent Swiffer liquid Coffee filters Coffee & tea Magic Erasers Labels for food Drink mixes Hygiene products Gallon-size Ziploc bags Laundry baskets Aluminum foil
HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH 8-gallon trash bags Individually wrapped breakfast items White queen deep pocket sheets (fitted and flat) White standard-size pillowcases White bath & hand towels White wash cloths Detergent Stamps 8 1/2 x 11 Paper K-cups Large Tupperware containers
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Around the Houses 2015 was another great year for the Houses! With the support from “Thirty-One” and donors in the community, we distributed over 1,200 gifts to families during their stay at the Houses. Gifts included welcome bags, which were “Thirty-One” tote bags filled with comforts for the families while they are at the House; weekly gifts of necessities such as diapers, formula or special toiletry items; or a thoughtful gift donated that week from someone in the community. This year, the House near Cox South also had some great additions, including a new sofa and décor to the Living Room, new artwork in family bedrooms, new playroom carpet and more colorful décor, and new flooring in the kitchen and dining rooms. These renovations would not have been possible this year without the support from national donors, La-Z-Boy and Belfor, and the Springfield community including the members of Alpha Delta Pi at Missouri State University. We are fortunate for the hundreds of amazing groups, like Zion Lutheran Church, who provide meals for our families throughout the year. In 2015, nearly 800 meals were provided between our two Houses. These meals provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy a warm meal at the end of the day while sharing their journey with other families, volunteers and dinner groups. It is one of the many ways the Springfield community helps make the Houses feel like home for the families.
Save the Date Snowflake Social
Mark your calendars for the Annual Snowflake Social on Thursday, February 11, 2016, at 6 PM. Our RMHC and Tooth Truck Volunteers, staff and special friends are invited to this special gathering at the Keller family home. Be sure to look for your invitation in the mail and RSVP to Megan Schussler at 417-875-3501 or emails your RSVP to Megan.Schussler@RMHCozarks.org.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Volunteer Spotlight Becky Farris
How did you hear about the Ronald McDonald House? I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House for nine years before we moved to Kansas City in 2008. I looked up RMH again after we retired back to Springfield. What is your favorite part about volunteering? I enjoy helping out in the office, delivering snacks to the PEDS Kitchens at Mercy, and being a hostess for the Cup O’ Cheer Homes Tour.
What would you like to share with others thinking about being an RMH volunteer? Just do it! It’s fun and the staff is great to work with. They will put your skills to use. What are your hobbies while not volunteering for the Ronald McDonald House? I enjoy reading, watching movies, and tutoring at Wilder Elementary School. I’m also a Wish Granter for the Make A Wish Foundation.
What else would you like to share about yourself? It’s great to be retired (I used to be an elementary school counselor). I’ve been married to Art for 45 years. I have daughters in Kansas City and Baton Rouge, LA, and I love to spend time with them!
Welcome Mercy Associate House Manager, Ely Wright Ely joined our team in December 2015 to serve as the Associate House Manager for the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Children’s Hospital. Ely earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Central Missouri in 2012. He served as a substitute teacher for Springfield Public Schools for the past 2 years. Ely has been married to his wife, Tiffany, since June 2012. Tiffany is a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital Springfield. They enjoy keeping up with their rambunctious Labrador Retriever, along with being outdoors. They also enjoy visiting friends and family whenever possible. Ely is a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoys woodworking. The Ronald McDonald House holds a special place in Ely’s heart because the organization helped his family during a time of need when his niece had openheart surgery a week after being born. Ely is excited to serve families in the Ronald McDonald House and share the support and encouragement his family received with families in similar situations.
Welcome Cox Associate House Manager, Alicia Doran
We are excited to welcome Alicia Doran to our team as the Associate House Manager at the House near Cox South! Alicia graduated from Evangel University in 2013 with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and Biblical Languages. She spent her high school and college years volunteering for numerous non-profit organizations and her church. Prior to joining our team, she spent a year with The World Race traveling to eleven different countries participating in mission work. She is eager to apply her passion of helping people into her career and impact our community in a positive way. Alicia loves to travel, having been to nineteen countries around the world. In her spare time she loves to read fiction novels, bingewatch Netflix, snuggle with her cats Tom and Jerry, and Jet Ski on Table Rock Lake during the summer. Welcome to the team, Alicia!
Ronald McDonald Houses of the Ozarks HOUSE NEAR COX SOUTH STATS November 2015 Families Served........47 Nights................... 280 Families from Missouri..................34 Families from Other States.............13 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 350 Program-to-Date Families Served... 9,230
HOUSE AT MERCY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL STATS November 2015 Families Served........42 Nights................... 290 Families from Missouri..................39 Families from Other States...............3 Year-To-Date Families Served...... 413 Program-to-Date Families Served... 1,384
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Heart of the Truck
Cassidy Bartolotta Megan Blake Samantha Bornaman Chelsea Carroll Allie Dunton Matt Freihofer Sophie Harrington Jessica Havener Alex Krause Connie McCarter Caleb Murray Terre Redmon Ashlee Robinson Zach Shaw Taylor Shireman Micayla Shrimpton Bryson Starkey Adam Stotts Melinda Thurman
Tooth Truck Wish List Action figures Matchbox cards Hair accessories (clips, headbands) Jewelry (necklaces, bracelets) Chapstick Handheld games DVDs for older children Outdoor toys (bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, sports balls)
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Tooth Talk A Fresh Start for a New Year Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe once said, “We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves, otherwise we harden.” This sentiment rang true on the Tooth Truck for one of our recent patients. A’Lana first visited the Tooth Truck in 2009 when she was six years old. At the time, A’Lana had a treatment plan that consisted of filling two cavities. A’Lana returned to the Tooth Truck this past month, but now she is a mature 12 year old young lady in 7th grade. A’Lana’s smile is captivating, however she is battling difficulty at home with regular brushing and flossing habits. A’Lana did not have any cavities on her recent visit, but she had a buildup of hardened plaque and tartar called calculus surrounding her teeth at the gum line. It was so severe that her gums were no longer attached strongly to her teeth and were, in A’Lana’s words, “loose”. Dr. Sarah explained that the process of calculus formation starts when food is left on the teeth for long periods of time. If it isn’t removed by proper brushing and flossing it will become mineralized by the saliva and turn into a hardened substance that sticks to the teeth. Once plaque has turned into calculus, a professional cleaning at the dentist is the only way to remove it. While calculus doesn’t usually lead to tooth decay, it can cause a host of dental and health problems as it causes gingival inflammation and can lead to infection, gum recession and loss of supporting bone around the teeth. The most
By: Emma Davis
A’Lana has a fresh, clean smile to start the new year after a visit to the Tooth Truck to remove calculus build up. She is encouraged to keep her smile healthy through daily brushing and flossing.
effective way to prevent calculus is by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups. In an effort to remove the calculus, and restore A’Lana’s beautiful smile, Dr. Sarah utilized the Tooth Truck’s ultrasonic scaler. Dr. Sarah explained to A’Lana that an ultrasonic scaler is a dental instrument that “sprays water and vibrates at very high frequencies so that the tenacious plaque and calculus that is stuck on your teeth can be efficiently removed.” A’Lana was impressed at how comfortable the process was and loved running her tongue over her now smooth teeth when the appointment was over. Now that A’Lana’s mouth has been restored to a healthy state, she is excited to improve her brushing and flossing at home so that she can keep it that way.
A’Lana has always had a beautiful smile, but now thanks to the Tooth Truck, Dr. Sarah, and the ultrasonic scaler, her smile is not only beautiful, but renewed, rejuvenated and ready to take on 2016! (We also thank the Sertoma Fitness Challenge for underwriting the ultrasonic scaler!) A’Lana is not the only member of her family starting the New Year with bright smiles thanks to the Tooth Truck. During the years 2014-2015 the Tooth Truck saw five members of A’Lana’s family, treated 13 total cavities, and provided a treatment total of $5,032. A’Lana and her siblings are confidently smiling their way into 2016, and reminding each other to brush, floss, and keep their smiles healthy. The Tooth Truck wishes everyone the brightest of smiles and happiest of New Years!
New Floors Brighten the Tooth Truck The Tooth Truck’s floors received a major make over! We swapped out the original blue for a colorful new design, which includes a path guiding our little patients to the dental chair. We love the bright new colors welcoming our patients on board!
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks November 2015 Children Treated............172 Dental Appointments Provided.......................306
Before
Year-to-Date Dental Appointments............. 3,231 Program-to-Date Dental Appointments............ 45,956 Program-to-Date Value of Treatments........... $10,968,554
Children Who Received Treatment: Boys & Girls Town Bowerman Elementary Campbell Elementary Clever Schools Sherwood Elementary Westport Elementary
After
MRS. C’S RECIPES Fruit Fantasia 1 (15oz) can Tropical Fruit, in its own juice 1 small package sugar free vanilla pudding mix 1 (15oz) can sliced peaches, in its own juice 1 tsp sugar free tan or any orange flavor powder 2 cups strawberries, sliced 2 bananas, sliced
STAFF Enjoy wonderful recipes provided by Mrs. Vivian Carissimo, also known as Mrs. C.
Open all canned fruit and drain liquid into separate bowl. In large bowl, combine fruit from cans and strawberries. In bowl with reserved liquid add pudding mix and tang. Mix with a whisk until combined. Pour pudding over fruit and fold together. Refrigerate until ready for use. Add sliced bananas just before serving; they will turn brown if added at the beginning.
President & CEO Bonnie Keller Program Director Mindy Muñoz General Dentist Dr. Sarah Cimino Temporary Dentists Dr. Aaron Dannegger Dr. Brett Durbin Dr. Randi Green Healthy Smiles Academy Program Manager Tamara Maddox
VOLUNTEER TIP OF THE MONTH
Office Manager Emma Davis
Small Tip for a Clean Dishwasher
Dental Assistants Megan Lambert Kim Otradovec
Use 1 packet of Kool-Aid brand lemonade and run cycle without dishes in it. It will clean the lime deposits and iron stains. Run another cycle before putting dishes in for cleaning. Sandy Morris, House volunteer, provides helpful tips for everyday needs. Enjoy this month’s Volunteer Tip!
Part-Time Dental Assistants Jackie Malik
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Heart Beats
949 E. Primrose Street Springfield, Missouri 65807-5257
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
by Adopting a Room for 2016! With two Ronald McDonald Houses in Springfield, RMHC of the Ozarks has provided a “home away from home” for more than 10,500 families of seriously ill and injured children as they experience one of life’s greatest challenges. Now more than ever, they need your support. By Adopting a Room at one (or both) of our Ronald McDonald Houses, your support means more to families than you can imagine. You are providing a safe haven, a place where sorrow and fear can be expressed without censure, a home to seek during these troubling times, and a retreat from the daunting feelings of their worst-case scenario. Adopt the Kitchen to provide a place for nourishment, the Living Room to allow for relaxation, or a Bedroom to bring rest. By Adopting a Room for 2016, you’re sending a message to our families that you are here when they need you the most. Find out more and donate today at HearttheHouses.org.