Back in the late 1950’s, Jean and Dale Fuller were students at the University of Iowa. She earned her BSN in 1958 and he completed his residency in radiology in 1968. They moved to Dallas, where he set up practice and together they raised a family.
In his work and through associations, Dale recognized the plight of families who traveled great distances so that their children could be treated for “serious illness or injury at a Dallas area hospital.”
Of course, Dale did nothing solo. If he was involved, so was Jean. Together they not only made the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas a lifelong project, they inspired others to pitch in. With their wisdom and gentle smiles of compassion, they made a difference for so many — the families receiving assistance and those who provided the support. On the front row of watching the Fullers’ involvement were the Fuller kiddos — Sue, Cathy and David.
Sue Hutchinson, Cathy Walker, Jean and Dale Fuller and David Fuller
Now grown and with kids of their own, the Fuller trio wanted to do something special for their parents. Brainstorming with RMHD CEO Jill Cumnock and Chief Development Officer Diane Fullingim, they came up with a gift that would reflect Jean and Dale. It was to be something positive, full of life and with just a touch of magic that would charm a child — a butterfly garden in the RMHD courtyard.
Jill Cumnock and Georgia Rayna
Sounds easy. Just get a bunch of butterflies and let them loose. Wrong! Jill, with the help of the RMHD staff and Master Gardener Georgia Rayna, created a garden that looked like a butterfly smorgasbord with plants like Black-eyed Susans, Frog Fruits, Butterfly Blue Pincushions and Hummingbird Bushes.
The Jean and Dale Fuller family
On Friday, May 16, as part of the RMHD’s “Share the Love” barbecue celebration, the official unveiling of the Jean and Dale Fuller Butterfly Garden took place under beautiful skies. Surrounded by their children, grandchildren and the RMHD family, Dale showed his knowledge about the Lepidoptera, telling the group that how amazing the Monarch Butterflies are. Yes, each year the black-and-orange butterflies migrated from North America to Mexico and back. But what surprised even Dale was that this journey took three generations to accomplish and it confounded Dale how the second and third generations knew just the route to use.
Butterfly Garden plaque
As the plaque was unveiled and Jean and Dale surveyed the garden, Jill said that there were plans to add a hummingbird feeder in the days ahead.
As for the butterflies, they’re on their way. What’s that old saying? “If you build it, he will come.”