05 Dec Kerry’s Corner

Posted at 13:45h in Community, Families, News by

Kerry Blumberg
A Family Update: Our 2022 Ambassador Family

It is hard to believe that November is here. As we approach the holiday season, we have so much to be thankful for at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond.

We are thankful for our community of supporters who work with us each day to provide care and comfort to families in medical crisis. From our volunteers to corporate sponsors, referral partners, donors, staff, and interns, we are truly humbled by all who join us in our mission to serve.

I’d like to share an update on our Ambassador Family from 2022,the Stallworths.

On June 16, 2021, Bobby Stallworth suffered a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke as a result of an arteriovenous malformation rupture or AVM. For treatment, Bobby and his parents, Robb and Holly, spent 12 days at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Because of the seriousness of Bobby’s illness, the Stallworths were in the hospital for an extended period. RMHC Richmond provided his parents a Sleep Room steps away from Bobby’s room so they never had to be far from him, Lunches with Love on days they didn’t remember to eat, and comfort in the form of coffee, snacks, and toys for Bobby. It was a matchbox car on the Hospitality Cart that got him to sit up for the first time!
Since then, the Stallworths have focused on their family and Bobby’s recovery.

“This past year has been busy, and Bobby has made tremendous progress. We traveled to the University of California at San Francisco for Bobby’s annual MRI scans and a research study. There, we participated in the Aneurysm and AVM Annual Fundraiser,” said Holly.

Through the Virginia Tech Fralin Clinic located in Roanoke, Bobby also participated in a month-long intensive constraint therapy program focused on regaining arm function. While in Roanoke, the Stallworths stayed at the RMHC of Southwest VA. The program helped Bobby gain strength and confidence.

Holly let us in on some exciting opportunities that they participated in recently. “Bobby, my husband Robb, and I advocated for Rare Disease Day in Washington, DC. And it was a thrill that we ceremonially cut the ribbon at the new Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU in July.”Robb said, “Perhaps our biggest thrill, however, was that Bobby attended Homecoming at his High School and, now in 9th grade, attends school five days a week! This is the first time he has attended school full-time in three years.”
We are thankful to see the families we serve grow, evolve, and do well.

As we all focus on what matters most during this Holiday season, please remember that your support helps families like the Stallworths in times of medical crisis.
Thank you,
Kerry BlumbergChief Executive Officer