American Idol Performers Provide Distraction to RMHLI Families

Children receiving medical treatments along with their families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island in New Hyde Park spent some time with American Idol performers Naima Adedapo and Jacob Lusk who finished in the top 11 of this past season.

Four-year-old Abdeen Hadi and his relatives are among the guests staying at Ronald McDonald House. Hadi was tragically wounded by a car bomb in Iraq and has been undergoing reconstructive surgery since March. When the stars arrived, he eagerly waited for their autographs and even mustered up enough strength to show off his "high fives".

The singers had smiles that became very contagious.

“I hope the kids see something in us that gives them the strength to get better,” Lusk said. “I want them to recognize the support and keep believing in themselves.”

The American Idol Summer Tour stops in more than 30 cities across the States. They were on Long Island performing at the Nassau Coliseum and will continue to make their way along the East Coast. When they stop in cities with Ronald McDonald Houses, the singers take turns visiting, not to sing but to meet the kids.

Children who stay at Ronald McDonald House are being treated for different illnesses. According to Matt Campo, executive director of the house, research and statistics show that children heal faster when their loved ones are closer.

“It’s events like this one that brings everyone together and provides children and families with a distraction to their normal schedule,” Campo said, adding that none of this would be possible without high spirits and community support.

When Ronald McDonald House of Long Island first opened in 1986, there were 18 bedrooms and now there are 42 bedrooms. Families whose children are in the hospital can stay in the house for a reasonable price without having to sleep bedside or drive long distances.