The Trains at NorthPark Opens with Kid Conductor Blowing Whistle and Cutting Ribbon

Every year, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas selects a Kid Conductor to blow the whistle to open their signature event, The Trains at NorthPark. This holiday, Ruth Daniel, six years old, filled this role and opened the event November 22. Miss Daniel is a patient Dr. Jeffrey Fearon who is serving as Honorary Co-Chair with his wife, Regen.

 

Dr. Fearon, a craniofacial surgeon, has treated many children who have stayed at the House. On October 27, he performed craniofacial surgery to help Ruth with her severe sleep apnea (by having a Le Forte 1 with a halo distraction performed). He also pinned her ears to better fit her hearing aid and glasses.

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas' signature fundraiser, The Trains at NorthPark, is rolling through town now through Jan. 4, 2015. Pictured here are Diane Fullingim, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Chief Development Officer; Tia Wynne, Trains event co-chair; Meredith Land, NBC5 anchor and emcee for Sneak Peek; Jamie Singer, Trains event co-chair; and Jill Cumnock, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Fearon said, “The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is a unique and very special place. It provides a warm supportive environment where families who have a sick child needing specialized treatment that takes them far from home can rest and decompress from all the associated stresses. My patients uniformly have nothing but wonderful things to say about the House.”

 

Her mother, Robin Daniel, said, “Although she has Down Syndrome and is hearing impaired, she doesn't let diagnosis define her. She is incredible and such a blessing to our lives.”

5 Honorary Co-chairs Regen Fearon and Dr. Jeffrey Fearon, John Daniel (dad), Kid Conductor Ruth Daniel, Robin Daniel (mom), Jeremiah Daniel (baby)

Ruth was adopted into Robin and John Daniel’s loving family who resides in Tyler. The Daniels have seven children, five of whom were adopted: John David (14), Joshua (11), Rachel (10), Rebekah (8), Josiah (7), Ruth (6), Jeremiah (16 months). They are in the process of adopting their eighth child, a daughter from China, Rose (2 ½).

 

It’s families like the Daniel’s that the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas supports, especially with its largest fundraiser, The Trains at NorthPark, presented by Bank of Teas, which raises nearly a third of its operating budget.

 

This family favorite rolls through January 4, 2015, and is located on Level One near Nordstrom. Visit www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com for more information.