Walk for Kids Takes a Step in the Right Direction

On April 6, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hosted the Loma Linda 5k Walk for Kids at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. All proceeds from the event went directly to the services and programs that the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC) provides. The RMHSCS has been providing families and children in Southern California with comfort, care, and support for over 30 years through their numerous wellness and educational programs. The event had no required entrance fee, but a minimum donation of $20 from participants was greatly appreciated and an overall goal of $2.2 million for the entire Walk for Kids fundraiser series. The Loma Linda walk raised a total of $198,079, while the Ronald McDonald House has now raised a total of $1,556,160.71. Awards were given to those who managed to raise a certain amount for the cause: $100-$299 for a Walk for Kids t-shirt, $250-$499 for a Walk for Kids t-shirt and sports bottle, $500-$999 for a Walk for Kids hat and t-shirt, and anything over $1,000 won a walk for kids t-shirt and sweatshirt. The top teams were awarded special recognitions as well, including awards for most spirited. Bass Pro, American Medical Response, Team TIGERS, NSBN, and Tom Bell Chevy are currently the top fundraising teams. Kenneth Scurlock, Derek Hanson, Angela Stover, Bob Minor, and Don Jack are currently the top individual fundraisers. Part of the services provided by RMHCSC include a home for families with children in intensive care as close as possible to the hospital where their child is admitted (the PMHCSC is just across the street from the LLUCH). One family, who made up the walking team, "Team TIGERS", was one of many families that the Ronald McDonald House has helped. On November 30, 2010, the Cabana family welcomed their son Rhyder into the world. After only a couple of weeks, Rhyder began having seizures and was taken to St. Bernadine’s Hospital. After hospital staff took a look at little Rhyder and his condition, he was transferred to Loma Linda. “We had no clue what a blessing [the Ronald McDonald House] would turn out to be,” says the Cabana family. Rhyder condition worsened and was soon put on life support. On December 31, 2010 the Cabana family gathered to say their goodbyes as Rhyder passed away. This has become an inspiration for those who walk. “During this difficult time the LLRMH was there for us every step of the way. They made it possible for us to be there every time the doctors called telling us to get to the hospital ASAP – as we were literally right across the street. The House made it possible for our family to be together at the most crucial times. When our 2 year old daughter Rhylee was at the House with us they made sure she felt at home too,” says the Cabana family. The Cabana family has been active in supporting the LLRMH for four years through organizing toy drives to preparing meals every year on Rhyder’s birthday. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California is well on their way to completing their goal. For more information visit their website, www.walkforkids.org, to see how you can get involved.