For families staying at Ronald McDonald House Pasadena, a home for families with critically-ill children, healing took root in the garden July 29, through a new partnership with Seeds of Hope.
Seeds of Hope joined Ronald McDonald House to host an evening of hands-on gardening and a shared meal for families with children receiving medical treatment. The collaboration highlighted the importance of nurturing not only physical health but also emotional, psychological and social well-being. Organizers said the collaboration also underscored the healing power of food, nature and fellowship.
Children made bird feeders out of sunflowers and Cheerios, colored garden-themed drawings, and planted individual sunflowers, while parents planted in the House’s garden beds.
Families learned how to care for the plants, when to harvest, which plants grow best together, and sampled freshly harvested produce from Seeds of Hope gardens. Spanish-speaking volunteers and staff ensured that every family could participate fully. Seeds of Hope staff prepared a pesto pasta and salad dinner, and adorned the tables with fresh flowers from Seeds gardens.
“Seeds of Hope was already planning to provide a meal for the families, but we also wanted to interact with the kids and create something more — a chance for the kids to be outside, to engage in something educational and creative, and for families to connect in a peaceful space,” said Adriana Arce, project & program manager for Seeds of Hope.
The event is an example of the Seeds of Hope mission to cultivate wellness and food justice across Los Angeles. The organization has seen that children who garden from a young age develop more self-confidence, independence and a lasting connection with nature — qualities that can be especially vital for children navigating the challenges of serious illness.
Ronald McDonald House staff said the timing of the partnership couldn’t have been better. “Our families truly enjoyed the gardening activities and the dinner that followed,” said Madelyn Hernandez, community engagement coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Pasadena. “Several new families had just arrived, and [the Seeds of Hope] event created the perfect opportunity for them to sit down, connect and enjoy each other’s company. That sense of shared experience and community is one of the most meaningful things our House offers, and your team made it possible.”
For parents, the House offers both comfort and relief.
“At the end of long hospital days, being able to have a place to go home, rest, shower, eat and sleep is priceless,” said Geof N., a parent. “It’s the opposite atmosphere of a hotel, which can feel as sterile as the hospital environment. Instead, our family and other families can enjoy all the activities Ronald McDonald House provides.”
Families said small touches make a big difference.
“Our welcome package, the gifts, fresh produce, Meals of Love, the toiletry packages — everything people donate helps to provide that comfort that you don’t even know you need,” said the Anderson family.
Eighteen-year-old Sofia F. added: “I’m glad a place like this exists — where families feel supported and safe but also have a good time and are just able to forget about their troubles for a moment.”
Since opening in 2004, Ronald McDonald House Pasadena has offered lodging, comfort, meals and support to thousands of families, only steps 
away from Huntington Health and Shriners Children’s. Seeds of Hope focuses on food justice across the region, transforms unused land into gardens and orchards, promotes nutrition education and provides fresh produce through its free farmers markets in areas most affected by hunger and health inequities.
Though the July 29 event was small in scale, the organizations said it represented something larger: the power of collaboration to build stronger communities and offer families a sense of belonging during their most difficult times.