12 Jun Let’s Hear It for the Dads!

June 12, 2024 — Happy Father’s Day to all the men who are at the House now. Your presence and strength help your child in more ways than you can imagine.

This Father’s Day, we celebrate some of the dads currently staying at our House. These fathers have journeyed from Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, the Cayman Islands, and Ghana to stand by their kids’ side. Thank you to our amazing dads for taking a moment to speak on the impact our House has had on them and the difference it has made in the lives of their families.

Elviz Ajanel from Guatemala treasures the opportunity to be at his daughter’s side. “I couldn’t bear to be apart from her, knowing she needed the support of her mother and father. Being able to be with her during her ordeal is priceless,” he says. 

Our commitment is to keep families close through their challenging times. The Langlois family traveled here from the Cayman Islands. Like many of our families, they found a sense of peace at the House after having to rely on other options for previous medical visits. The family first traveled to Miami with Zoe in July 2023. 

“We were in and out of hotels, and the bills kept coming… it was expensive, and they weren’t even nice hotels,” says Nicholas Langlois.  “Coming here to the House, where it’s clean and comfortable and I don’t have to worry about those bills, it’s a Godsend. The people here are always taking care of us. We don’t even have to ask. Words just can’t describe it.”

Pastor Albert Ampong of Ghana, here accompanying his son Samuel, is grateful to have a place to lay his head. Echoing one of the core principles of the Ronald McDonald House of South Florida, Pastor Ampong shares how the House allows him to focus on what’s important.

“The stress of paying for accommodations completely washes away, and I can focus completely on my son’s treatment,” he says. 

Tayron Sanchez traveled from Colombia to join his son, Adrian, and his mother. Adrian has been traveling to Miami for life-saving treatments for four years. Their social worker suggested they contact RMHC South Florida — a game changer, says Sanchez. “This is the first time in four years that we have been able to be together in one location. In the past, we were limited by the high price of lodging and travel so that only Adrian and his mother could make the trip,” says Sanchez. “We are very grateful for this incredible opportunity.”

Happy Father’s Day to all our dads. We are grateful to you for bringing endless amounts of cheer, support, joy, and care to your children. It’s a privilege to have you as part of the Ronald McDonald House family.