Menifee Mother Gives Back on Behalf of Recovering Son

Last July, Menifee resident Camille George almost lost her 6-week-old son to a serious brain injury. But thanks to doctors at Rady Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego, little Colton is now a smiling 6-month-old who is quickly catching up in his developmental skills.

And on Dec. 25, in the true spirit of Christmas, George is going to give back on behalf of her family and her son.

George will be joined by family members and about 40 volunteers in all who will serve Christmas dinner to 250 people, including the residents of all 47 rooms at the Ronald McDonald House -- a "home away from home" for families with critically ill or injured children.

The volunteers will prepare and serve a meal of turkey, ham, casseroles, potatoes and deserts -- all with donated food or food purchased with more than $600 cash that has been donated by residents. George said after she got the idea to volunteer to serve a meal and spread the word about the volunteer effort, people came forth from her ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, from friends and relatives, and anyone who simply wanted to help. The Tilted Cake and Supply Company of Temecula is donating 100 cupcakes.

It all started as an inquiry from George about helping to serve a meal one day to the people at the Ronald McDonald House.

"Our family has been blessed with the help from those people," she said. "I wanted to do something special for all the kids who are still struggling and their families. I called the House to volunteer to help serve a meal. They told me they have a rough time getting volunteers on Christmas Day."

George mentioned the situation to Lesa Sobek, a fellow church member who works with the Menifee Interfaith Council and the volunteer website justserve.org. With her assistance, George got the word out and organized what will be a special volunteer effort on Christmas Day.

"My son almost lost his life," George recalled. "He had a brain injury and was having seizures. He went into a coma for two weeks and I was told he wasn't going to make it. But he made a complete turnaround. Today he's laughing and smiling.

"For 48 days, we used the services of the Ronald McDonald House. We took showers there, ate all our meals there. They took care of us. It's an amazing place."

It was quite an ordeal for George and the rest of the family as doctors inserted a drain for little Colton's brain and performed surgery to help save his life. The comfort they received from the Ronald McDonald House during that time has not been forgotten.

"Thanks to the people in my church and throughout the community, I'm able to help give something back to those people," George said.

There is still time for anyone wishing to donate cash or food to the volunteer effort. Call 951-760-2222 for information.