Meet Families, Volunteers and Staff
Featured Story
When Genesis and Donavan learned their baby girl had Trisomy 18, they left their home in North Dakota and came to Colorado in search of answers and specialized care. An early delivery and months in the NICU have followed, and the Aurora Ronald McDonald House became the steady place where they could stay close to her daughter.
Meet RMHC-Denver Board Member Meredith! After years of volunteering at the Denver House, she joined the Board in 2026 to deepen her impact and help keep families close to care.
When Matthew and Crystal welcomed their son, Sonny, they immediately sensed something was wrong. His skin was yellow, and at first doctors thought light therapy might help. But blood tests revealed a much more serious issue: Sonny had biliary atresia, a rare condition where the bile ducts don’t form properly, leading to liver damage.
When Haley and Dmitriy learned they were expecting a baby, joy came rushing in. The pregnancy was a welcome surprise — one Haley wasn’t sure would ever be possible due to her own health conditions. From the very beginning, she monitored her health closely, determined to give her baby the strongest start she could.
Every volunteer brings something uniquely their own to the RMHC-Denver. Some bring calm. Some bring energy. Some bring a quiet steadiness that families come to rely on. John brings all three, wrapped in a warmth that makes people feel instantly supported. His journey to our community is as heartfelt as the care he gives every week.
Meet Cassie, our Referral Coordinator who helps families secure a place to stay during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. From managing waitlists to coordinating check-ins and communicating with hospital partners, Cassie works behind the scenes to ensure families experience a smooth and supportive transition into our Houses.
Meet Max Krafczyk, our Facilities Technician who works behind the scenes to ensure every guest space at RMHC-Denver is safe, functional and welcoming. From fixing everyday maintenance needs to helping plan future improvements, Max plays a vital role in making sure families can focus fully on what matters most.
Kayla never imagined the story her family would live this year. 140 days in the NICU, four surgeries in six months, a life flight and a long stretch of living six hours from home. Through it all, Baby Darla has faced every challenge with bright eyes and a joyful spirit.
The Lane Gang is one of RMHC-Denver’s most reliable and heartfelt volunteer groups. Once a month, this tight-knit family fills our kitchen with warm meals, laughter and the kind of comfort families need during difficult times. Their commitment has become a true gift for our staff and the families we serve.
Jen’s journey with RMHC-Denver began early in her marketing career, but it became personally meaningful when her daughter received cancer treatment away from home. Today, she brings both professional insight and lived experience to her role on the Board of Directors, helping ensure our programs continue to respond to and reflect the needs of families during medical crisis.
For more than 40 years, Ronald McDonald House of Denver has been a beacon of hope and healing in Pattie’s life, a steadfast source of comfort, connection and care through some of her family’s most challenging moments. “My family has been blessed with medical challenges,” Pattie says with a gentle smile. “But the unyielding love and support from RMHC-Denver has lifted us every step of the way.”
Ashley is all about creating laughter and connection for families. From organizing fun activities, sharing surprises and helping make meaningful memories during tough times.
When Genesis and Donavan learned their baby girl had Trisomy 18, they left their home in North Dakota and came to Colorado in search of answers and specialized care. An early delivery and months in the NICU have followed, and the Aurora Ronald McDonald House became the steady place where they could stay close to her daughter.
Meet RMHC-Denver Board Member Meredith! After years of volunteering at the Denver House, she joined the Board in 2026 to deepen her impact and help keep families close to care.
When Matthew and Crystal welcomed their son, Sonny, they immediately sensed something was wrong. His skin was yellow, and at first doctors thought light therapy might help. But blood tests revealed a much more serious issue: Sonny had biliary atresia, a rare condition where the bile ducts don’t form properly, leading to liver damage.
When Haley and Dmitriy learned they were expecting a baby, joy came rushing in. The pregnancy was a welcome surprise — one Haley wasn’t sure would ever be possible due to her own health conditions. From the very beginning, she monitored her health closely, determined to give her baby the strongest start she could.
Every volunteer brings something uniquely their own to the RMHC-Denver. Some bring calm. Some bring energy. Some bring a quiet steadiness that families come to rely on. John brings all three, wrapped in a warmth that makes people feel instantly supported. His journey to our community is as heartfelt as the care he gives every week.
Meet Cassie, our Referral Coordinator who helps families secure a place to stay during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. From managing waitlists to coordinating check-ins and communicating with hospital partners, Cassie works behind the scenes to ensure families experience a smooth and supportive transition into our Houses.
Meet Max Krafczyk, our Facilities Technician who works behind the scenes to ensure every guest space at RMHC-Denver is safe, functional and welcoming. From fixing everyday maintenance needs to helping plan future improvements, Max plays a vital role in making sure families can focus fully on what matters most.
Kayla never imagined the story her family would live this year. 140 days in the NICU, four surgeries in six months, a life flight and a long stretch of living six hours from home. Through it all, Baby Darla has faced every challenge with bright eyes and a joyful spirit.
The Lane Gang is one of RMHC-Denver’s most reliable and heartfelt volunteer groups. Once a month, this tight-knit family fills our kitchen with warm meals, laughter and the kind of comfort families need during difficult times. Their commitment has become a true gift for our staff and the families we serve.
Jen’s journey with RMHC-Denver began early in her marketing career, but it became personally meaningful when her daughter received cancer treatment away from home. Today, she brings both professional insight and lived experience to her role on the Board of Directors, helping ensure our programs continue to respond to and reflect the needs of families during medical crisis.
For more than 40 years, Ronald McDonald House of Denver has been a beacon of hope and healing in Pattie’s life, a steadfast source of comfort, connection and care through some of her family’s most challenging moments. “My family has been blessed with medical challenges,” Pattie says with a gentle smile. “But the unyielding love and support from RMHC-Denver has lifted us every step of the way.”
Ashley is all about creating laughter and connection for families. From organizing fun activities, sharing surprises and helping make meaningful memories during tough times.
Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help far from home. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can support them all throughout their journey.
