The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN
COLORADO
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HON. DOUG LAMBORN
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 12, 2022
Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado (RMHCSC) for 35 years of providing a safe, comfortable, and caring place for families of critically ill children from around the nation receiving treatment in Southern Colorado.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado has a unique history, from when it was first conceptualized, funded, built, and opened to serve families in need. A local pediatrician, Dr. Don Genrich, believed that families in the Pikes Peak region would greatly benefit from a Ronald McDonald House (RMH), so he recruited a small start-up team to help him make the dream a reality. Nancy Parker Brummett, a local business executive, and Steve Bigari, a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Carson, joined forces with Dr. Genrich and began their work. The team was highly motivated to lead this effort and intimately familiar with the grace-filled mission and the warm welcome a Ronald McDonald House offers to families in need. The Bigari's infant daughter Sara had already endured several life-saving surgeries at Children's Hospital in Denver, and another RMH had lovingly hosted the family.
The trio began sharing the vision and raising funds. By the grace of God and the generosity of community philanthropists, the first Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado opened at 311 N. Logan Street in Colorado Springs. Significant donors included McDonald's restaurants, the Junior League, Memorial Hospital, and countless other generous families and businesses.
On February 14, 1987, they opened the ``House that Love Built.'' Their mission was simple: keep families and their critically ill children close to each other and provide the support and resources they most need. Significantly, Steve's then three-year-old daughter, Sara, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. It was a joyous occasion for the entire Pikes Peak region.
Since then, Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern Colorado has provided Christ-like hope, grace, hospitality, and comfort to every family member who has walked through its doors. RMHCSC has been a home for more than 11,500 families in the first 35 years of its existence.
In 2008, RMHCSC opened the first Ronald McDonald Family Room with UCHealth at Memorial Hospital Central. Then, St. Francis Medical Center opened a second Family Room location in their facility. Soon after, Children's Hospital opened up a third Family Room, which provides a caring space within each hospital for parents, just footsteps away from their child. The charity's cornerstone programs are vital in meeting the needs of critically ill children and their families.
On August 19, 2019, RMHCSC opened the doors to their new location at 4223 Royal Pine Drive, within walking distance from the new Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs. The 20-bedroom facility was made possible by corporate donations, grants, and thoughtful gifts from private donors. The new facility nearly doubles the number of rooms available for families. Under the direction of Executive Director Beth Alessio, who has led the charity for the last 20 years, RMHCSC has positioned itself to serve families in need for decades to come.
Current President of the Board, Sara (Bigari) Cornell--a source of heart and compassion behind it all--is living, breathing proof that an organization like RMHCSC truly makes a difference. Throughout her 38 years, Sara has endured over 40 lifesaving surgeries. Ronald McDonald House was there for her family so that they could focus their love and attention on their child when it was most critical.
The doors to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado have been open to those in need for 35 years. I commend the effort of Dr. Genrich, Nancy Parker Brummett, Steve Bigari, Sara (Bigari) Cornell, Beth Alessio, and all of the past and current leaders, board members, staff members, donors, and volunteers. Their work has made the ``House that Love Built'' a massive success.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado for their tireless, godly work making Southern Colorado a better place for children and families to live.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 135(2)
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