Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado

Dec 9

At Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub, we’re proud to give back to organizations that make a real difference. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado is one of those organizations, and they hold a special place in our hearts. For our owners, Kyle Buskist and Brenna Eaker, they were a source of light during what was undoubtedly the darkest time of their lives.

In November 2020, Kyle and Brenna welcomed their youngest daughter, Lulu. But just two days after her birth, it became clear something wasn’t right. Lulu was struggling to feed and showing other signs that something was seriously wrong. When her condition quickly worsened, Brenna reached out to her midwife in the early hours of the morning. The midwife didn’t hesitate—she urged them to take Lulu straight to the NICU at Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Lulu was quickly surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses, all working to figure out what was wrong. She was soon diagnosed with intestinal atresia—a life-threatening condition where her upper and lower intestines weren’t connected. The next day, she underwent her first surgery to remove the damaged section of her intestines and create a colostomy, giving her body time to heal. Six weeks later, she had a second surgery to reconnect her intestines.

The road to recovery was anything but smooth. Lulu spent nearly her entire first three months in the hospital, facing complications that brought her back to the NICU on Christmas Eve after being briefly discharged. For Kyle and Brenna, it wasn’t just the fear of losing their baby that weighed on them. They were also 2.5 hours away from their home in Salida, trying to manage their business and care for their two older children, who were just 3 and 2 years old at the time.

During this time, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado became more than just a place to stay—it became their anchor.

“The Ronald McDonald House allowed us to stay close to Lulu without worrying about where we’d sleep or how we’d afford it,” Brenna shared. “One of us was at the hospital all day, every day, and knowing we were just a short walk away made all the difference.”

The support went far beyond providing a room. The Ronald McDonald House offered nightly hot dinners, 24/7 access to fully stocked refrigerators and pantries, and play areas where their other kids could unwind during weekend visits.

Holidays were made extra special. “On Christmas, they delivered a huge bag of presents to every child and even had Santa serving hot cocoa,” Brenna said. “They remembered Lulu’s name, asked about her, and treated us like family. Words can’t express how much that meant to us.”

Kyle and Brenna reflect on how critical this support was during such a harrowing time. Their experience highlights the vital role the Ronald McDonald House plays for families in similar situations. “If you can’t afford to stay in a hotel for months, your choices are either sleeping on a plastic couch in the NICU or going home,” Brenna explained. “Without the Ronald McDonald House, we wouldn’t have been able to stay close to Lulu.”

Today, Lulu is thriving—a happy and healthy four-year-old (and not to mention totally adorable). But Kyle and Brenna will never forget the uncertainty and fear they faced during those months. And they’ll never forget the incredible generosity and compassion of the Ronald McDonald House. “It was by far the darkest time of our lives,” Kyle said. “That’s true for so many parents who are there. The Ronald McDonald House was there to support us when we needed it most. They cared, they were there for us, and they made an unbearable situation a little more bearable.”

Who They Are

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado provides a "home away from home" for families with children receiving medical care at Children’s Hospital Colorado Springs. Their mission is to remove barriers, strengthen families, and offer a supportive environment so parents can stay close to their children during critical times.

From private rooms and home-cooked meals to emotional support and thoughtful gestures, the Ronald McDonald House makes a challenging journey a little more bearable for families in need.

How You Can Help

There are so many ways you can support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado:

Donate: Every dollar helps provide housing, meals, and essential services for families in need.
Volunteer: Prepare meals, assist with house operations, or lend a helping hand.
Fulfill a Wish: Check out their Wish List for ways to contribute directly to their programs.