ST. PETERSBRUG, Fla. — Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Gift of Togetherness fundraising campaign is wrapping up, but leaders with the organization stress the ongoing need to continue supporting the families of sick kids.

"It takes the whole community to help support families who are going through a really challenging time," said Joe Citro, Director of Development & Marketing, RMHC Tampa Bay. "Family is at the heart of what we do, and the community is a big part of that.”  

The Frewin family knows first-hand the impact of how that support can help. Catherine and two of her three sons are guests at the Ronald McDonald House.

"The shock of finding out, going from perfectly healthy boys, to finding out you have two chronically-ill children was really devastating,” Frewin said.

Her son Bryce was diagnosed with Leukemia and her son Kyle was diagnosed with Crohn’s within just one month. The three now call the Ronald McDonald House home.

“Just knowing that we have a sanctuary to where we can regroup and have some kind of normalcy while we figure things out and while they receive treatment has been wonderful,” Frewin said.

Frewin and the boys returned to the Bay area for care after the family moved from Palmetto to Taiwan, where the father got a two-year teaching contract.

The family is now separated while the boys receive care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. But Catherine says she finds comfort being close to the hospital and not having to worry about housing or food, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House.

The three also benefit from their relationships with other residents.

"We can support each other and strengthen each other and comfort each other and share each other’s stories,” Frewin said.

The Gift of Togetherness campaign has raised more than $473,000.

The final amount will be doubled, as the Miter Foundation will match donations.