This year, as Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois celebrates 40 years of service, the Maddox family is celebrating a milestone of their own.

Their son, Scott, was born at Memorial Medical Center on December 20, 1986. Just three days later, their world changed. Scott developed a high-grade fever and infection and was rushed to St. John’s Neo-Natal ICU. Doctors determined he had strep B spinal meningitis. He was a very sick baby.

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, a hospital social worker shared something new. She recommended “a new place that just opened up” for parents with a sick child in the hospital. That place was Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois.

Sheril and E.J. were hesitant at first. Like many families, they were overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But walking through those doors changed everything.

What they found was more than just a place to stay near their baby. They found warmth. Compassion. Support. They found people who understood. They found comfort in the middle of crisis.

They found a Home away from Home.

“Our story has been told many times,” they share. Over the years, Scott’s journey has become woven into the history of the House. He was the guest of honor at the 25th Anniversary and Re-Dedication Ceremony, and Sheril served as the headline speaker at that year’s Gala.

For nearly four decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois has been part of their family’s story every year since that first stay.

That is the heart of our mission. We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.

“We pray that other families find the warm and caring that the House provides in their hour of need. May the House always mean what it has always meant to the Maddox family… a Home away from Home.”

After 40 years, that promise still stands.

Join us in celebrating 40 years of impact. Make a $40 gift in honor of our 40th Anniversary and help us continue removing barriers, strengthening families, and promoting healing for the next generation. Give $40 for 40 years today. https://www.rmhc-centralillinois.org/donate/donate-donate