Some running half marathon for a cause

The Providence Rock N Roll Half Marathon is coming up in just a couple of months and while many are training to meet personal goals, others are running for a cause. The Ronald McDonald House Providence , being one of them.

"Ronald McDonald House is really a home away from home for families that have children who are suffering from diseases whether they are life-threatening or they are going in for procedures. It offers comfort, support, warmth, good food, and also proximity to your kids and that is so important when your child is sick” said Mary Kay Talbot. She stayed at the house twice.

"Eleven years ago I had a son that was born at Women and Infants Hospital, and healthy pregnancy everything was fine but an hour and a half after he was born he started having seizures and we didn't know but it was going to be a long haul,” said Talbot.

Mary Kay not only spent time at the house for her son Lucas, but again with her second son.

"When my second son Connor was born he needed the services at Women and Infants as well and we knew the prognosis was a lot better for him,” she said.

Just a baby at the time, Conner does not remember when his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House Providence, but he knows now just how important it was.

“I love the Ronald McDonald House because when I was born I was sick and I felt warmth because my mom was there,” said Conner.

The comfort, the support, and the love of the house made Mary Kay's experience a warm one.

"It was a place to lay our head down, it was a place to go when the doctors were doing their rounds and we weren't allowed to stay with our son and it was just a place where it was a supportive atmosphere where people who really cared about us and our child were, and where we could go we could cry we could talk or we could just go be alone in a quiet place if we needed it,” said Talbot.

Though she lost Lucas, his memory remains through photographs and an engraving on the house wall. Ronald McDonald House Providence helps so many families in need. It's through walks and races like the Rock n Roll Half Marathon, that people can in turn, aid the house.

"They're doing it for not only the families but most of all the kids. They're really going to make a big difference in their lives, because I think kid's recovery is so much better when their parents are there and surrounding them with that love,” Talbot said.

Personal accomplishments will be met on race day, but knowing that you sacrificed your body for a good cause makes crossing the finish line all the more special.

Nicole Anderson from the Ronald McDonald House Providence joined The Rhode Show to talk about the importance of the house. She stayed there herself and continues to give back.

“After my second daughter was born 10 years ago she had to stay back in the hospital after I was released and I was sleeping in waiting room chairs, wherever I could find a spot because I didn’t have a bed to sleep in and then one of the social workers came up to me and asked if I had my name in at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Anderson.

She recalls that it meant a lot to be in close proximity and to have her entire family be able to spend time at the house with her. She then became a volunteer and has been dedicating her time to helping those in need at the house.

She will be running in this year’s half marathon to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Providence.

The Providence Rock n Roll Half Marathon is on Sunday, August 19. Race information can be found on their website http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/providence