We have placed this cache in honor of our niece, Rinnah (means
rejoicing).
The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides parents of sick
children a place to sleep, shower, and eat while their children are
in the hospital.
In 2002, our family took advantage of these services and I had
no idea how extensive the program is. Each room contains 2 beds (2
cots can be added to each room), a dresser, a private phone line,
and a private bathroom.
The Nashville RMH has 32 rooms, meaning they can accommodate 128
people at any given time.
They have a laundry room where residents have free access to
washers and dryers. Laundry soap and fabric softener are also
provided.
There are several places to crash and watch TV. While TVs are
not provided in individual rooms, residents are welcome to bring in
their own.
A large dining room and kitchen provide facilities for meals.
Generally, a supper is provided. Each room has a place in the large
freezers and refrigerators to place their personal food and are
assured they will be left for who placed them there. The long
counter in front of the refrigerators often has community food for
whoever is hungry. There is also a place for canned goods available
to all. Another refrigerator holds community condiments along with
milk and OJ.
There is a central computer where families can access the
internet on a T-1 line. The computer is also set up with a web
cam.
All this is offered to the parents of sick children for the
price of $15/night. Of course, this doesn't come close to paying
for all the amenities provided. Not only that, but many families
can't afford that.
The RMH accepts donations from 8 AM to 8 PM seven days a
week.
Visit the Nashville RMH
website for more information. http://www.rmhnashville.com
Finally, the way to log the cache. Email me the answers to the
following:
(1) What is this in recognition of? (Rinnah does not have this
disease.)
(2) What is the date (same place you'll find answer 1)?
Cache answers can be obtained without leaving the pavement. The
coordinates are averaged and the GPS said it's to 17 foot
accuracy.
Please do NOT post the answers here, even if encrypted.
Thanks!
This cache is not meant to be hard or sneaky. It is meant to
bring attention to the wonderful service provided to the parents of
sick children.
UPDATE, January 2004:
Rinnah is doing very well. Over the holidays, we were blessed to
see her and her parents. Rinnah is a great child and her health is
very good. Our family still thinks of those not so fortunate and
hope you will continue to support the RMH.
UPDATE, January 2006:
Rinnah is still in good health. She is a bright, energetic 3 year
old that adores her family as much as we adore her. Here is a
picture of
her with her little sister on her right and her little cousin on
her right.