21 Apr Recognizing our Volunteers in April during National Volunteer Month

Alison Clarkson was first introduced to Ronald McDonald House Charities 18 years ago when her then 4-year old son was being treated for ALL Leukemia at Albany Medical Center. Clarkson stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of the Capital Region on several occasions while her son was receiving inpatient chemotherapy treatments. She recalls how the whole Ronald McDonald House experience provided her with great comfort after long days at the hospital.

“The welcoming staff, the pleasant and spotless accommodations, as well as the instant camaraderie that developed between diverse families staying at the House, who all had a seriously sick child being treated at the hospital, left a very positive impression on me during such a dark time in my life,” said Clarkson.

After recently retiring and moving to Camillus, N.Y., Clarkson now volunteers weekly at the CNY Ronald McDonald House as a way to give back to the organization she personally benefitted from years ago. Today, Clarkson’s son is a healthy 22-year old college student. In addition to volunteering her time, Clarkson and her husband are active donors within the organization.

“We counted on the Ronald McDonald House during our time of greatest need, and their services helped immensely in allowing us to focus on caring for our child.”