Celebrating moms caring for children in hospital

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Several mothers find themselves in a hospital room on Mother’s Day. Those at the Ronald McDonald House at Riley Hospital for IU Health were not forgotten.

The 5th annual Mother’s Day tea party was held at the facility, giving the moms a chance to take a break from the hospital room and be celebrated.

During the tea party, moms spent time together enjoying delicious treats and teas and specialty gifts.

The tea party was started by a former Riley Hospital and Ronald McDonald House mom, Katie Duckett, who spent her first Mother’s Day in the hospital because her daughter, born in October 2010, had to have open-heart surgery on May 3, 2011 after she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

“My family lives nearby and they came to visit. When I was on my way back to my daughter’s room is when I noticed all of the other moms who had no family there and who were alone. It’s a difficult time.” She added, “I definitely thought that something needed to be done and they needed to be celebrated,” said Duckett.

Duckett said she handmade all of the food and gifts the moms enjoyed at the tea party.

“I definitely hope they understand it’s not just a superficial ‘Happy Mother’s Day’, This was sweat and tears and a little bit of blood occasionally. Don’t worry that’s all been taken out,” Duckett jokingly said.

Duckett’s daughter is now 5 1/2 years old and is now “hilarious. She’s’ a comic and she’s a gymnast and a pistol,” Duckett added.

The Ronald McDonald House will host a barbecue lunch for all of the dads who find themselves in the hospital with their child on Father’s Day.

Each night, as many as 58 families call the Ronald McDonald House their home away from home.

Click here for more information about the Ronald McDonald House of Indiana.