Piazza Family

For nine long years, the Piazza family felt alone. There was no one to help. They were living in a survival mode, which really wasn't living at all. Joey, the youngest child of Laura and Bob Piazza, has a form of autism that can exhibit intense behavior issues. Laura and Bob had been searching for a treatment facility that specializes in autism and developmental disorders that might help Joey. Then last year they learned of the Bradley Hospital -- the renowned Rhode Island adolescent psychiatric center. It was the perfect place for Joey.

But the Piazza Family lived five hours away in Syracuse, N.Y. They had two other children. Their first sign of real hope in nine years seemed just beyond their grasp. Until they learned about the Providence Ronald McDonald House (PRMH).

When Joey was admitted to Bradley, Laura lived full time for several months at a well-maintained House that has all the comfortable amenities of a real home, like a private bathroom in her room, laundry facilities and a playground. Volunteers would prepare meals for her. The House became a refuge and safe place where she could rest. On weekends, Bob and their daughters, Ariel and Victoria, would come to visit. Also, for a family that had been feeling the financial burden of Joey's treatment, the minimal cost of staying at the House was a godsend.

But the greatest gift of all was the House allowed Laura to focus her undivided attention on Joey's well-being.

After several months, Laura returned home to Syracuse. But she would continue to return every other weekend and stay at the House when she visited Joey.

There is nothing unique about the Piazza's story. Families in the midst of a serious medical issue involving a child often feel like there is no place to turn for help and understanding. But the Piazza family discovered that there is a place. This is why the Providence Ronald McDonald House exists.

And the Piazza family, like countless other families, no longer feel alone.

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