Ronald McDonald House marks 20th anniversary

BANGOR – On Dec. 16, the Bangor Ronald McDonald House officially marked 20 years of service to families from eastern and northern Maine.

Since opening in 1983, the house has served thousands of families traveling to Bangor for medical treatment, mostly from eastern and northern Maine. Nearly 100 people gathered on Nov. 15 to celebrate this successful endeavor.

Susan Young, president of the Ronald House board of directors, was master of ceremonies and had the honor of introducing Jimmy Murray.

Murray was involved in the establishment of the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia in 1974. He told the story of Kim Hill, a 3-year-old who was diagnosed with leukemia. Her father, Fred, played for the Philadelphia Eagles football team and the team rallied to raise funds to help families in similar situations. Then, along with McDonald’s support, the Ronald McDonald House program was born, resulting in more than 200 houses worldwide.

Gov. John Baldacci, who had attended the opening of the house 20 years ago, remembered details that emphasized the love and support that surrounded the establishment of the Bangor house. Baldacci also honored staff and volunteers who have served at the house since it opened.

Pat Beckwith, house manager, received a plaque of appreciation along with 20-year volunteers Mavis Coupe of Orono, Charleen Giffard of Orrington, Bill Tuck and Dan Brooks, both of Bangor.

Beckwith told how she and her husband, Gerry, came to the Bangor house. Their daughter, Alisa, was ill with Hodgkin’s disease and they stayed at the Boston Ronald McDonald House many times, feeling love and support during a very difficult time.

When the Bangor house was being built, Beckwith decided that she wanted to “give something back” and applied for the job. She also told about how much she has gained by managing the house – how much she has learned about families, volunteers and board members. Beckwith, along with her husband, is proud to be a member of the Ronald McDonald House family.

The highlight of the celebration was Elizabeth Pelkey and her mother, Holly. The family had stayed at the Bangor house while Elizabeth was a patient at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Holly and Elizabeth told how valuable it was to be able to keep the family together and near the hospital. They also told about the Extensions Program, the outreach program for families who have children being treated for cancer and serious blood disorders.

Elizabeth said she appreciated the fact that when she is with this group, she never has to explain to the other children what it is like to have cancer.

Elizabeth went on to say, “Thanks to Ronald McDonald House for all the love, support, friendship and hope you’ve given over the years.”

Other speakers were Gary Eckmann, McDonald’s owner-operator, who talked about his involvement with Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He also informed the group about World Children’s Day. Tessa Fotrek from Washington County Community College talked about the “Polar Bear Dip” which raised $20,000 last year when 150 “dippers” ran into Passamaquoddy Bay in front of 2,000 spectators.

Reprinted with permission of Ronald McDonald House.