Finding Comfort in a Time of Crisis: The Sheehan Family’s Story at RMHC Dayton
For Kim and Joe Sheehan, the summer after their son Logan’s high school graduation was supposed to be a time of celebration. Instead, their world turned upside down when Logan faced a life-threatening battle with severe walking pneumonia, which led to septic shock. The family faced immense challenges, but their journey was also made more bearable thanks to the support of RMHC Dayton.
The Sheehans were no strangers to RMHC Dayton. Years earlier, they had visited the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Dayton Children’s Hospital when Logan broke his arm. Kim recalled how the volunteers’ kindness and the welcoming environment left a lasting impression. Little did they know that this place would become a critical lifeline during one of the most trying times of their lives.
When Logan was admitted to Dayton Children’s Hospital in critical condition, the Sheehans found comfort in the Family Room once more. For four days, as Logan battled for his life, Kim, Joseph, and their daughter Megan found moments of normalcy and relief there. Megan, a picky eater, was able to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—a simple but meaningful comfort. For Kim and Joe, it was the first time they could step away from Logan’s room to share a meal together.
The Family Room wasn’t just a space to eat or rest; it was a source of joy amid the chaos. Megan vividly remembers a Dolly Parton cake and a friendship bracelet-making station that offered brief but much-needed moments of distraction. “You can feel super alone in the hospital where you feel like you are the only one going through something this bad where your child is this sick,” explained Kim. “For a few minutes, we could forget why we were there.”
After four days, Logan’s condition worsened, and he was transferred to Miami Valley Hospital. There, his oxygen levels dropped to dangerous levels, requiring a ventilator and eventually an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine to help his lungs heal. While Logan fought for his life, the Sheehans continued to find refuge in RMHC’s Family Rooms.
Over the next 16 days, Emmitt’s Place at Miami Valley became their second home. Volunteers and staff not only provided essential amenities like coffee, snacks, and a place to rest, but they also offered emotional support. “When your child is that sick, you can’t even think for yourself,” Kim shared. “Having someone there to grab a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for my daughter or just check in on us meant the world.”
The familiarity and compassion of the volunteers especially touched the Sheehans. Many recognized them from their time at Dayton Children’s and made an effort to inquire about Logan’s progress. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room felt comfortable, clean, and welcoming,” Kim said. “It truly felt like home.”
Logan’s condition eventually stabilized, and he returned home in August to begin his journey of recovery and rehabilitation. Grateful for their support during such a critical time, the Sheehans felt compelled to give back.
Through their daughter’s involvement in the American Heritage Girls organization, the family hosted a bake sale to raise funds and donated snacks to the Family Rooms. The American Heritage Girls also organized a day of service, packaging friendship bracelets while Megan and her mom gave a presentation to share the impact of RMHC Dayton. “We knew exactly what families needed because we’ve been there,” Kim said. “It was amazing to give back to an organization that gave us so much.”
Today, Logan is back to his normal self, a testament to his resilience and his family’s unwavering support. For the Sheehans, RMHC Dayton provided more than just physical resources—it offered a sense of hope and comfort during their darkest days.
“You never think you’ll be the family in that situation, but when you are, having a place like the Ronald McDonald Family Room makes all the difference,” Kim said. “Whatever you need, they will help you.”
The Sheehan family’s story is a powerful reminder of how RMHC Dayton supports families in their greatest times of need, ensuring they can stay close to their children while finding comfort, connection, and care.
