Last weekend, I went to visit the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. I took them stockings with some of the goodies that we had left over from the Music Video Premiere and I added a Beanie Baby to each one, some candy and a hand made note from my young actress friend, Sophia Watson, who is the little girl in the Mirror music video!
If you don't know about the RMH, it is a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children undergoing critical medical treatment in Los Angeles Hospitals. The alternative for these families would be costly hotels and uncomfortable waiting rooms. This House is brand new and now has 75 rooms so that no family will ever have to be turned away! When their old house is refinished, it will be one of the largest RMH's in the world!
I brought a few pizzas and baked a ton of cookies. After they ate and received their stockings, we went into their movie room and watched my two music videos. I cannot explain the feeling of seeing the kids and their families tap their feet and sing along to my music. To think that even one smile was brought to them means the world to me. I did not know that my lyrics and music could have such an impact and I am so incredibly grateful to be able to share that with them. All I could think was, THIS is why I do what I do, THIS is my purpose right now- to bring any joy to people and to influence kids in the best way I can.
These kids are so strong, they taught ME a lesson. To be grateful for what we have… to cherish our family and friends… and to never underestimate the power of a SMILE. It really makes the small silly things in life seem even sillier.
I have a special place in my heart for the Ronald McDonald House. My mom used to work at one when I was little. I made many friends and met some incredible kids who had to fight every day to simply stay alive. Their families had to be strong and it is such a wonderful thing to have a House like RMH to come home to after a long day at the hospital. I remember one Christmas Party at the RMH in Chapel Hill just before I turned five years old…it was so much fun and both Santa and Ronald McDonald came to visit. Two days later, I discovered that I had chicken pox! I was so sad because I wasn't allowed to go back to visit for weeks-- it can be deadly to kids who are already sick with cancer!
There are hundreds of Ronald McDonald Houses all over the world—and I hope that you never HAVE to stay at one! But, if you want to do something nice for some families, just give them a call or email them. They are always looking for DVD's, gift cards, games, movie passes, etc. to help families live as "normally" as they can while they are away from home! Thanks to Jennifer Cohen who is the Volunteer Manager at the LA House for helping me set everything up!
Below are some pictures of these amazing kids. You can see more in my photo album.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays,
Zoe
xoxoxoxo