The Jenkins Family adopted Andrew from Hungary when he was 5 years old. He was born with a bone marrow disorder that required him to have regular blood transfusions and steroids until his recent bone marrow transplant. After returning to the states, the Jenkins established his medical care team at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital; this led them to the Ronald McDonald House.
There were many difficult periods in Andrew’s health where the family needed to stay in Iowa City for months. “It has truly been a blessing to our family,” said Penny Jenkins. “Not only has it been a sweet solace and place of respite, but the staff has always welcomed and assured our stay to be as comfortable as possible. To know it is an open door when needed, relieving those extra financial concerns and burdens has been such a sanity saver through the years.”
The Jenkins believed that the staff at RMHC started to feel like family. The staff would lend a caring ear after a long day at the hospital, make some of their favorite meals, and leave notes of encouragement and gifts at the door at the perfect time. Penny said, “Charities like these help those in need during some of the most excruciating and stretching times of their lives. We are forever changed by and grateful for the Ronald McDonald House, and can honestly say we would not be where we are today without them!”
