Family Focus: The Sprinkles

Imagine the joy of finding out that you’re expecting for the first time. Then imagine that joy coupled with disbelief as you find out you’re expecting triplets!!

Well, that’s exactly what happened to Chuck & Brenda Sprinkle of Jonesville, Virginia, in 1998. Along with delivering the happy news, doctors also cautioned these parents-to-be that due to the multiple births they could possibly expect a lengthy hospitalization. It was at that point they first heard about the Ronald McDonald House and the service it could offer their family.

Charlie, Bailey, and Alexandra made their grand entrance on July 14 and the Sprinkles began what would become a 4-week stay at the RMH in Johnson City, Tennessee.

At 3 months old, little Bailey began seeing doctors at Children’s Hospital here in Knoxville and at 4 months old had her first surgery there as well.

Over the past nine years, the Sprinkles have stayed with us 21 different times as Bailey has dealt with several medical issues including cystic fibrosis, hydrocephalus, a seizure disorder, and C.F. related diabetes.

“We live 2 ½ hours away from the hospital and the specialists needed for Bailey’s care,” Brenda said. “We couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel every time she has appointments, tests, or surgeries. It would be much more difficult to manage Bailey’s care without the benefit of the RMH. But the greatest benefit is having a place to come and unwind, a place away from the stress, noise, and constant demands of the hospital. If Bailey is having a long hospitalization, Chuck and I will alternate nights at the hospital and the RMH. After a good night’s sleep there and some down time, it is easier to deal with the issues that go with having a child in the hospital. The House also offers us the ability of having our 2 other children with us if we’re away for an extended time, allowing us all to maintain some semblance of normalcy.”

There’s an old saying that goes, “turnabout is fair play”. And several years ago, the Sprinkle kids decided it was their turn to help the House and celebrate their birthday at the same time. Those dears planned a huge event inviting all their friends and unselfishly asked partygoers to bring supplies for the House in lieu of gifts for themselves. When all was said and done, it took 2 vans to deliver the bounty. Brenda added, “this has become a tradition with my children which they love and I am proud of them for doing it. They recognize the contribution the House has made to our lives and all 3 love doing anything to help. In fact, it has started a trend with some of their other friends who now do similar things for their birthdays.” When asked how they would describe the House to other families who could potentially have the need to use it, the Sprinkles replied, “It is your sanity at the end of a long day. It is a source of support. It is comfort. It is warmth. It is family."