Two Degrees of Separation

We have all heard the phrase “six degrees of separation.” This phrase refers to the idea that on average we are all approximately six steps away from any other person on earth. This allows for a chain of “friend of a friend” statements that can be made to connect any two people in six stages or less.

However…sometimes in South Dakota it can really seem like there are literally only “two degrees of separation” between everyone we know.

We have hundreds of families pass through here at the Ronald McDonald House every year. Occasionally, we will have someone stay here who knows someone who knows someone else who we know! It is crazy sometimes how small the state of South Dakota can really feel.

Case in point, last week I struck up a conversation with one of our guests, a mother of three, whose young son was in the hospital. Much to my surprise I came to learn she grew up in my own hometown, Willow Lake, SD!  Her mother is a friend of mine and a big advocate for the pop tab collection program in Willow Lake.

Many of you are probably fortunate enough to have never had to deal with your child being hospitalized. However, almost all of us know of someone else who may not have been so fortunate. And if you don’t, you probably know someone who knows someone who has. You’d be surprised to learn just how short that connection can be.  


What's your story?


MJ Schmidt
Executive Director