For Gracie and her parents, traveling from New York to Dayton takes 9–10 hours, but they’ve made the trip many times for a life-changing reason: to be matched with a service dog through 4 Paws for Ability. Gracie’s rare medical condition, shared by only about 400 people worldwide, makes these dogs an essential part of her daily life.

The journey began in 2011, when Gracie paired with Frankie, her first service dog. During that trip, a medical emergency struck while they were staying at a hotel. “We realized how important it is to know help is close,” her parents recalled. “It was already such a huge investment, emotionally, physically, and financially, and that made it so much harder,” her parents recalled. “When we asked the front desk about the nearest hospital, the staff had no idea. When something goes wrong, it goes wrong fast. That experience made us realize how important it is to know help is close.”

Years later, as Frankie neared retirement, the family returned to Dayton in January 2020 to train with Junco, their second service dog. They stayed at RMHC Dayton and immediately felt the difference. “The peace of mind of knowing Dayton Children’s Hospital was right across the street was everything. Even though we didn’t need it, just knowing it was there made all the difference.”

At the 14-room House, the family settled in comfortably. “Coming home every day to a hot meal and having laundry right down the hall was wonderful. It was safe and friendly, and they fed us well. It felt like living with your grandma; everyone took such great care of us.” During that stay, they celebrated Gracie’s birthday. “We felt guilty that we couldn’t plan a proper celebration while staying at the House, but they made it so special. It made us feel like we were good parents.”

When Junco retired earlier than expected, the family returned last August. They brought pop tabs as a small gift to give back. “It was such a tiny thing we could do, but you treated it like it was the best thing ever.” Although that match didn’t go as planned, the staff encouraged them and helped them stay positive.

This year, the family embraced a new beginning: meeting Stephen, their newest service dog, and staying in the brand-new Ronald McDonald House. “We’d heard all the build-up, and now we finally get to see it. We love the quiet nooks where you can be by yourself. And we’ve met other families and become invested in their medical journeys.”

For Gracie’s family, RMHC Dayton has provided more than a place to stay. It offered safety, comfort, and care through every chapter of their journey, giving them the peace of mind and support they deeply needed. “At RMHC, you don’t have to worry; everything is taken care of,” her parents said.