When the Kropik family faced the unimaginable—a car accident that left two daughters hospitalized—St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and its newly opened Ronald McDonald House became a lifeline. Known for its commitment to supporting families and improving the health of all it serves, the hospital provided not only expert medical care but also a comforting place for families to stay close during difficult times.
A Family’s Ordeal
In August 2025, Vivian Kropik’s three daughters were involved in a devastating car accident. Twelve-year-old Charlotte suffered extensive injuries, including a shattered leg, hip, pelvis and spine, along with a concussion and facial trauma. Four-year-old Lorelei fractured her foot, and the oldest daughter, Sarah, was thankfully unharmed.
Charlotte was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Tampa, where she spent three weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), followed by another three weeks of inpatient rehabilitation. Lorelei was treated in the hospital’s Steinbrenner Children's Emergency and Trauma Center and was released the same day.
The Gift of Proximity
For Vivian, who lives more than an hour away, the Ronald McDonald House at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital quickly became an anchor during the overwhelming and emotional journey. She learned about the House from Mallory Wood, a licensed clinical social worker who supports families in the hospital’s PICU, who recognized the family’s need for a quiet, supportive place to rest.
“To be able to step away from the noises, the constant beeps, the monitors…the House was a safe haven,” Vivian said.
Mallory sees firsthand how the House offers more than convenience — it offers relief.
“Having the Ronald McDonald House right here on campus makes a huge difference,” she said. She often encourages caregivers to rest, shower and recharge so they can stay emotionally grounded during long hospital stays. “It helps them not lose themselves in the four walls of the hospital room.”
A Home Filled With Support
The Ronald McDonald House is conveniently located on the fourth floor of St. Joseph's Women's Hospital, less than 100 steps away from the neonatal intensive care unit and a short walk from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The space features 11 private bedrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, study spaces, a parent lounge, laundry center, playroom and fitness center — all intentionally designed to bring comfort and calm.
Ensuring that comforting environment is the work of Anna May, the Family and Guest Experience Manager at the hospital’s Ronald McDonald House.
“My job is to make sure the space is warm, cozy and safe — a place families can truly exhale,” she said. “Anyone traveling more than 30 miles for medical care can stay here, and when they walk in, we want them to know they are welcome and supported.”
Many families are surprised by how much is available to them. The House provides a 24-hour coffee bar for much needed comfort, a massage chair and wellness room to ease stress, nap rooms for rest and a playroom for siblings who need a sense of normalcy. Families can also participate in programs such as art therapy, pet therapy visits and occasional ice cream socials.
“You deserve to have a meal. You deserve some quiet,” Vivian said. “You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself. And that’s what the Ronald McDonald House did for me.”
For Charlotte, knowing her mother was just steps away from her patient room made all the difference. “Knowing that my mom was near me felt so good. I feel safer having her close,” she said.
Today, Charlotte continues to recover at home, and her family remains grateful for the lifesaving care she received at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and the emotional care they received from the Ronald McDonald House staff.
The House That Love Built
The Ronald McDonald House at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital stands as a powerful testament to compassion and community – a place where families like the Kropiks can focus on what matters most: healing together.
Families are referred to the Ronald McDonald House by hospital staff, and in some cases they can refer themselves. More information is available here.
