For families navigating a child’s serious illness or medical treatment, the journey can be overwhelming emotionally, physically and financially. In moments when parents are focused entirely on their child’s health, the last thing they should have to worry about is where they’ll sleep, eat or find a moment of rest.

That’s where Ronald McDonald House Charities Northwest Ohio, soon to be known as Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio, steps in. Serving hundreds of families each year, the organization provides comfort, stability and compassionate support so families can stay close to the care their children need most.

At the heart of this mission is Wendy Bejaige, Director of Engagement, whose path to the role was shaped by years of hands-on experience supporting families in high-stress situations.

A Career Rooted in Service and Relationships

Wendy’s journey to Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio didn’t begin in fundraising or philanthropy. Her background is deeply rooted in operations and direct care. Before joining the organization, she served as CEO of a company supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She later joined Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio as Director of Operations, where she worked closely with families staying in the House and oversaw day-to-day programming.

Nearly two years ago, when a leadership opportunity opened in engagement and development, Wendy was encouraged to step into a new role.

“I told our CEO, ‘I’m not good at asking for money,’” Wendy recalls with a smile. “And he said, ‘But you’re really good at building relationships.’ That’s what engagement is, connecting people to a mission they believe in.”

Her operational background gives her a unique perspective. Having worked directly with families during some of their most difficult days, Wendy brings authenticity and empathy to every conversation.

“I really believe in what we do here,” she says. “Because I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve connected with families, heard their stories and watched the impact this place has. Being able to share those stories now is incredibly meaningful.”

More Than a Place to Stay

While the Ronald McDonald House is best known for providing lodging, Wendy is quick to point out that it’s just one part of a much broader network of support.

The House itself features 28 guest rooms and serves more than 600 families each year, offering them a comfortable place to stay just steps away from their child’s medical care. Families also have access to home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, showers and shared living spaces designed to feel warm and welcoming.

But support doesn’t stop at the front door.

“We’re a charity, not just a house,” Wendy explains. “The House is our largest program, but we have several others that allow us to support families in different ways.”

One of those is the Hospital Hospitality Suite and Cart located inside ProMedica Rusell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital. These spaces offer families a place to grab a coffee or snack, take a short break and learn about services available through Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio.

“There’s nothing worse than meeting a family who’s been in the hospital for a week and didn’t know we existed,” Wendy says. “They’ve been paying for a hotel or eating out every day, when they could have come here for a meal, done their laundry or taken a shower.”

Another impactful initiative is the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a clinic on wheels launched in partnership with ProMedica nearly three years ago. The Care Mobile travels throughout the community, providing immunizations, well-child checkups, sports physicals and screenings at locations like libraries, meeting families where they are.

“It’s so much more than just the House,” Wendy says. “Our goal is to remove barriers and support families however we can.”

Even families who don’t stay overnight are welcome to access services.

“If a parent just needs clean clothes, a toothbrush or a meal sent over to the hospital, we do that,” Wendy explains. “If they want to step away for a couple hours and sit in our living room, they can. We try to meet families where they are in every sense of the word.”

Stories That Stay With You

With so many families passing through each year, countless stories leave a lasting impression. One, in particular, stands out to Wendy.

A family arrived at the House while their newborn son, born prematurely, was in the NICU. They stayed for nearly a month. The mother, a wedding photographer, tried to keep working while caring for her older son and visiting the hospital daily. Wendy watched as the older child grew into his role as a big brother during their stay.

“The coolest part was seeing him become a real big brother,” Wendy recalls.

The family eventually returned home, but the connection didn’t end there. Every year, they come back for the younger child’s birthday, organizing a toy drive to give back to the House.

“The first year they came back, he was just over one,” Wendy says. “He was walking, wearing this little pajama outfit, and I remember thinking how far they’d come. Now they still come back and give back. That’s the heart of what we do.”

How the Community Can Help

Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio relies on community support to continue serving families when they need it most. There are many ways to get involved, and no contribution is too small.

Community members can:

• Volunteer their time by cooking meals, cleaning spaces or organizing activity rooms
• Donate toys, household items or essential supplies
• Make monetary donations to support daily operations and programming
• Collect pop tabs, which are recycled to help fund grocery and household needs

“Nothing is too small,” Wendy emphasizes. “Whether it’s volunteering a few hours, donating toys or giving financially, it all helps keep our organization strong and sustainable.”

Just as important, Wendy encourages people to learn about the organization’s full reach.

“We support families in so many ways beyond the House,” she says. “The more people understand that, the more impact we can make together.”

A Place of Comfort, Connection and Hope

At its core, Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio exists to ensure families never have to face a child’s medical journey alone. Through lodging, meals, mobile care, hospital outreach and compassionate community support, the organization provides comfort when families need it most.

For Wendy, the mission is deeply personal.

“I love people,” she says. “Whether they’re families, volunteers or donors, people are my business. And knowing that what we do here truly makes a difference is what fills my heart every day.”

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Northwest Ohio, explore volunteer opportunities or find ways to give back, visit ronaldmcdonaldhousetoledo.org.