Local siblings honored as Kid Conductors by RMHD for beloved holiday tradition

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) chose Owen and Tatum Whitmore as the first sibling Kid Conductors for The Trains at NorthPark, a beloved holiday tradition presented by Bank of Texas and benefitting RMHD. The brother and sister pair, who have both spent time at RMHD, opened the most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas at a special media preview on November 18 from 1 to 4 p.m., the day before The Trains at NorthPark opened for its 29th season at its new home next to the American Eagle location in NorthPark.

Owen, 13, and his sister Tatum, 7, have both stayed at RMHD on multiple occasions while each has received treatment in Dallas. Hailing from Daingerfield, Owen battles severe asthma, while Tatum struggles with a rare manifestation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that requires sophisticated phototherapy only available, until recently, in Dallas. The siblings are special to the staff and volunteers at the House, who have seen them work through both the trials of their respective illnesses and being away from home and loved ones. Their father, Sedrick, stays in Daingerfield to work while their mother, Misty, lives with them at RMHD.

“We’re delighted to honor Owen and Tatum as this year’s Kid Conductors because they represent the plight so many of our families face, especially with both children requiring medical treatment,” said Jill Cumnock, Chief Executive Officer of RMHD. “Their bravery an inspiration and example to us, and help demonstrate the incredible service supporters of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas give to our community.”

The Trains at NorthPark has raised more than $13 million for RMHD, which provides a home-away-from-home for seriously ill or injured children and their families. Each year, RMHD hosts 1,200 families that travel from more than 40 miles away, and who are asked to contribute only $15 per night. No family is ever turned away for an inability to pay thanks to fundraisers like The Trains at NorthPark, an intricate configuration with 1,600 feet of track and more than 750 railcars set amidst notable American landmarks. The exhibit is open through Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $3 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $7, while children under 2 are admitted for free. Discount tickets for $1 off general admission are available at local Tom Thumb stores. The exhibit closes for Christmas, closing early at 4 p.m. for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Those interested in supporting The Trains at NorthPark through sponsorship, volunteering or purchasing a railcar can do so by visiting www.thetrainsatnorthpark. com or contacting Bailey Kafer at bkafer@rmhdallas.org.

# # # ABOUT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS: Established in 1981, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from home for more than 36,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, please contact Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.