The Wilch Family

25 years after their son’s diagnosis, the Wilch family returns to the Ronald McDonald House, this time for a very different and celebratory reason.

On July 20, 1999, the Wilch family welcomed Justin, their son, into the world. He was treated for a paralyzed vocal cord, and they went home for the first time as a family of three a few days later. At home, Justin came down with a severe fever, so his parents rushed him back to their hometown hospital. They received a shocking diagnosis – Justin had bacterial meningitis.

“We were terrified and shocked to hear this from the doctor,” Gina, Justin’s mom, said. “He was being taken farther from home, and we knew we just couldn’t leave our baby’s side.”

Justin’s parents stayed at the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center for 25 days while they watched as their son fought to get better.

“I remember walking into the kitchen, and I was struck by how generous the House was with all the food and beverages,” Gina noted. “I will never forget the compassion and care from everyone at Ronald McDonald House.”

Justin’s odds were against him, but he had hope on his side.

“The doctors and nurses took him off the machines and gave him only a few hours to live,” Gina said. “My husband and I were 28 years old. You don’t want to hear that at 28; you don’t actually want to hear that ever.”

Gina continued, “I remembered when I was standing on the balcony at the Ronald McDonald House and how calming it was. I had a feeling rush over me that even though it wasn’t going to be easy, it was going to be okay.”

Justin made a miraculous recovery. And while he has continued to face medical challenges, his parents say he’s “the funniest and smartest kid you’ll ever meet.” Justin’s family credits part of his success and positive health outcomes to the watchful eye of Dr. Anderson – Justin’s neurosurgeon of 25 years at Loyola University Medical Center.

“I know Justin so well that when I feel anything is wrong, Dr. Anderson validates that feeling and takes it very seriously,” Gina said. “He credits parents – as we notice the changes in our kids [good or bad].”

25 years later, the Ronald McDonald House found its way back to the Wilch family.

“I received a call from the Ronald McDonald House that they were looking for a playground,” Gina said. “I was so happy to help them because of what they did for us when our son was born. When they first reached out, they had no clue that we had stayed with them in the past. It was so surreal to be back at the House for a wonderful reason this time around.”

At the end of the sale, Gina, President of Play Design Scapes, Inc. provided the best surprise of all to the Ronald McDonald House – a fully paid receipt for the playground.

“It’s my way of giving back to the place that did so much for me and my family,” Gina noted. “Everything we went through brought us back here, 25 years later, to do this.”

Thanks to Play Design Scapes, Corbell Sales & Consulting and the Wilch family, the playground and landscape was completed and donated in honor of Justin and Dr. Anderson. It is set to open summer 2024, just in time for families to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine!