The Roballo Family

By the time Connor Roballo was three weeks old, he already was at his fifth hospital when he arrived at Women & Infants' in Providence. Born four weeks premature, Connor had an array of medical problems that mystified doctors and were so severe that at one point his parents were told he might have a fatal disorder. His family, reeling under the unbearable stress, had nowhere else to turn.

That’s when they found the Ronald McDonald House.

The Roballos had been separated by little Connor’s illness. Father KC was with their 2-year-old daughter Jamie at their home, an hour away. Mother Mary had been staying at whatever hospital was treating Connor. That included sleeping sitting up in waiting-room chairs just two days after undergoing a C-section because she wasn’t going to leave her son.

But in Providence, they were offered the chance to stay at the comfortable House. It gave them a piece of mind when they needed it the most. Once the Roballos came to stay they were all close to Connor’s hospital. Jamie, who had missed her mother terribly, was surrounded by caring people who made her feel right at home. She loved the playground and today still talks about all of the toys in the playroom. Just as important for Mary was that she was able to put her daughter to bed every night and get up with her each morning, and she still managed to spend plenty of time with Connor at the hospital.

The story has a happy ending, too. Connor went home and now is healthy. The Roballos will never forget their 13 days spent at the Ronald McDonald House and always will be indebted to the volunteers who helped them when they needed it the most.

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