11.30.10 - Kid Conductors Skyler and Tanner Willis Open The Trains at NorthPark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Juliette Coulter: 214-366-2626 or
DALLAS, Texas (November 22, 2010) – On November 20, Kid Conductors Skyler and Tanner Willis blew the ceremonial whistle to open The Trains at NorthPark, benefitting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The Willis twins and their parents have been coming for years to see The Trains at NorthPark, some of those when they’ve stayed at the House.
When parents Erika and Shawn Willis and their newborn twins, Skyler and Tanner, first came to Dallas in June 2000, it was not how they had envisioned their first family trip. Their daughter Skyler had to be airlifted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a Dallas hospital at five months old.
Around 3 a.m., the family knew they needed to stay in Dallas. The Willis’ hospital caseworker set them up to stay at Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. “I was so thankful to have somewhere to go so I could be with my child,” said Erika.
The Willis’ stayed at the House two and sometimes three times a month during their family’s difficult time anywhere from 10 to 15 days at a time. “Everyone was so welcoming and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.”
Skyler has transverse myelitis, an inflammation of her spinal cord, which keeps her in a wheelchair. However, she is now a vivacious 10-year-old who loves to swim and read. She is currently training for a 5K marathon that she will complete in her wheelchair.
Tanner has a heart condition, but he is an active 10-year-old boy. He likes video games and skateboarding. He remarked that he loves the House because of the “love, care and food.”
The House truly is a home-away-from-home for the family. Erika said, “I can’t imagine how much the House saved us. We always had a place to stay. I’m still amazed at the generosity of everyone there.”
The House not only provides the families with peace of mind, but also the opportunity to make friends and build relationships with those going through some of the same struggles. Since their stay at the House, families still keep in touch with the Willis family. “The doctors and families still ask how the twins are doing,” added Erika.
EXHIBIT INFORMATION:
Presented by Bank of Texas, The Trains at NorthPark rolls now through January 2, 2011, at NorthPark Center, Level Two near Barneys New York. Hours and times are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are as follows: November 24, Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.; December 31, New Year’s Eve, at 6 p.m.; January 1, New Year’s Day, at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it will be open on New Year’s Day.
New this year at the exhibit is a Lionel store selling train sets, collectibles, t-shirts and gifts, with part of the proceeds being donated to the House.
ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS:
Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 26,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. In December 2009, a new, 60 bedroom Ronald McDonald House opened with the ability to serve twice as many families nightly. For more information, please contact the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit the website at www.rmhdallas.org.
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