People and Partner Highlights
Family Stories

The Crisman’s are a family that everyone at the House near Children's Memorial Hospital knows.  Diane, Phyllis and Sara are a part of our family!  Grandma Diane says, “we call it home when we’re here!”  They found their way to our House eight years ago when Sara ended up in a wheelchair due to Sydenhams Chorea.  Sara was a freshman in high school and she was unable to tie her shoes or talk.  When they first stayed at our House, Sara was receiving treatment at the Rehab Institute of Chicago.  Diane says, “the best thing about being able to stay here is the people are so nice who live and work here.  It’s great to have a place to stay and not have that worry, and there are people who you can talk with.  It’s a huge comfort to be at the Ronald House."

Today, Sara is doing wonderfully and attending college.  The “Crisman Ladies” still come to visit us for the real issue at hand, Sara’s lupus.  They are also volunteer Weekend Managers almost once a month.  They have come full circle, from being a family at the House, to being a family at the House as well as volunteers.  Diane states: “You guys gave us so much, so now we have to give back.”  At any given time you can see these three terrific women talking and comforting new families, filling the soda machine or helping the staff with special events.  They are a family that has such big hearts, and we are so grateful that we were there when they needed us.

Sara and Phyllis Crisman enjoy a deliciously
prepared meal at the House.