The Grumbine Family
Danielle and Nathan Grumbine of Harrisburg, PA were expecting their first child during the summer of 2017.
“Benjamin was born a month early at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg,” Danielle said. “Right away, the doctors knew there was something wrong with his lungs.”
After a brief 48-hour stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UPMC, he was transported to Penn State Children’s Hospital in a Life Lion Pediatric Ambulance.
“He was placed on a high-oscillating ventilator to help him breathe,” Danielle said. “He stayed on this for several days in the NICU.”
During this time, Danielle and Nathan along with family and friends called the Ronald McDonald Family Room® (RMFR) home as Benjamin gained strength to breath on his own.
The RMFR is located on the 7th floor of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, just steps away from the NICU, and Pediatric Progressive Care Unit (PPCU). This home-like space provides a place of respite and keeps families together near the care and resources they need.
“Our entire family used the RMFR as a gathering place for us to pray, cry, and celebrate together as Benjamin got stronger and closer to going home,” Danielle said.
The Grumbines used resources in the RMFR such as the bathroom/shower facilities, computers, resting spaces, and enjoyed the abundance of snacks available to families as their child received essential treatment.
“Having a resource like the Ronald McDonald Family Room during a very difficult time in our lives meant the world to us,” Danielle said. “We are forever grateful to those who have supported and continue to support this wonderful organization that provides these types of resources to families.”
Benjamin graduated from the NICU Follow-Up Clinic in February of 2019. He is a very active 2-year-old, who loves trains, baseball, and Mickey Mouse.
The Grumbines have given back to RMHC of Central PA by cooking meals as Guest Chefs and making donations where they can so “services can continue for other families in need.”
Help us continue to provide services free of charge to families like the Grumbines, by making a donation at www.rmhc-centralpa.org/donate.