How community and care create home, even across the sea
Some of our farthest-traveled and most cherished guests recently left the House to return home to Uganda after successful treatment at Shriners and a stay with RMHC.
Phrister Ngobi and Janel Ugabi arrived in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 25 with a mission: to seek treatment for Janel’s arthrogryposis. What they found during their stay at RMHC was beyond what the pair anticipated.
Janel was born with arthrogryposis, a condition involving multiple joint contractures that limit movement and strength. Though they sought treatment in Uganda, there were no available options for his condition.
Despite these challenges, Phrister was determined to find care for her son. She joined a Facebook group where parents of children with arthrogryposis share advice and support. Through this community, she discovered Shriners’ sponsorship program, which ultimately made Janel’s treatment, travel, and stay at the Ronald McDonald House possible.
The two stayed at Shriners for nearly two weeks after their arrival, spending the remainder of their time at our House.
“It has been wonderful. It has been amazing,” Phrister shared. “You know what?”
“We come from a very humble background,” she continued. “So when we arrived here at McDonald House, we are amazed by the care you have given us.”
Here, Phrister explained, she doesn’t have to worry about basic needs. While at home in Uganda, she uses her hands to wash her clothes, but during her stay she has had access to laundry machines, cleaning staff and always stocked soap ready for use.
The internet is always available, which is a big plus for the pair. Phrister explained how being able to keep in constant contact with her community back home, sharing updates on how they are, has allowed them to feel like they are still among their loved ones back home. Janel also enjoys the internet, staying entertained watching videos when he is tired of playing outside.
“I’ve not worried about food,” she smiled. “My son whenever he’s hungry, whenever I’m hungry, there is something to eat.”
The spacious nature of the kitchen, always-stocked pantry and volunteers who come in to serve meals are among some of the most touching aspects of care.
“I’ve never seen this anywhere where volunteers come in and make us snacks. They make us dinner,” she continued. “It has been a family here.”
Phrister shared how impactful it has been to have the care and support of the volunteers and staff at the House. Not only has the comfort of conversation made her feel like she is among her community back home, but their compassion has inspired a lifelong lesson for Phrister.
“You know what? I’ve learned something from here,” she said.
Phrister recited a quote from a mural in the entry of the House: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
She shared how impactful the care and comfort of the community at the House has been and how blessed they have felt to be able to have so many amenities that they do not have at home.
“We have survived with hardly any pocket money,” she said. “You have provided everything to us. I’m not worried. I’ve not been stressed at all.”
“Yes, of course, they treated my son’s recovery well,” she continued. But, she shared, beyond that there has been an impact on her character and outlook on life. One she shares daily as she smiles and laughs through the House talking to families, volunteers and staff.
The care and compassion at RMHC, along with access to essential medical care, basic amenities, daily meals and a supportive community, have been unforgettable and have transformed a challenging journey into a brighter future.
“You know home is a place where you can, you know, stay with community,” she said. And the community here has made their stay feel like home.
And that’s what our House is. Our mission is to provide a place for families — like Janel and Phrister — to live among comfort and community, connecting families in their hardest times.
Written by Kylie Tutterow
