Marsh Uebler

The American Academy of Pediatrics has proven that family presence during a child's hospital stay has a positive effect on that child's recovery. Marsh Uebler may not be family to any of the patients she frequently visits, but that doesn't minimize the impact she has in any of their lives.

For the past 17 years, Uebler has volunteered for the Ronald McDonald Family Room in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. While patients have come and gone, Uebler has consistently been on-hand to provide children with the love and care they need to recover.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room provides all sorts of resources for patients and their families. Many times, dealing with premature or ill babies, parents are housed for weeks, or even months with their children. Uebler does not only assist with all of the Family Room operations, she is very social and an active listener. For most families, just having someone there to listen is a form of treatment all of its own.

On the first Tuesday of every month, Uebler helps the Ronald McDonald House prepare a large meal for the families. Far away from their own kitchens, these families are appreciative of the full-course meal, and just as thankful for the bonding time it brings.

With over 2,100 hours served as a Family Room volunteer, the passion Uebler has for the patients and families is inspiring. Through her actions she uplifts those who need it most. While Marsh Uebler may not be a blood relative, to each patient she encounters she is definitely family.