The Power to Keep Families Together is in Your Hands
Here at the Ronald McDonald House, we cherish miracles. Children nursed back to health by brilliant doctors and loving families ... siblings reunited after months of hospitalization and treatment ... fragile newborns who thrive against all odds. Little Michael is one of these miracles-and our House is part of his story.
When Michael was eight months old, he started acting strangely. He always had a blank stare, slept constantly and ate only once a day. Claudia, his mom, took him to the pediatrician, who brushed off her concerns for weeks. Finally, she demanded medical tests, and a CT scan revealed a cancerous tumor in Michael's brain. He was rushed to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health by ambulance. Doctors told Claudia that if another day had passed, Michael would not have survived.
Michael's ordeal began with five rounds of chemotherapy and six stem-cell transplants. At first, the family stayed with Michael in his hospital room, but with three other children, they needed a better option. And when it became clear that Michael's treatment would continue for months, Claudia and her husband Jeff moved the other kids to our House so the family could be together.
"When the other kids were at home most of the week, it was very difficult to be a great mom to them all. The Ronald McDonald House allowed us to unite the family again. Just having his siblings around helped Michael thrive," said Claudia.
Michael's fight goes on. His prognosis is good but he continues to undergo chemotherapy. We are here for Michael's family when they need us thanks to the wonderful support we receive from people like you.
Because of you, every night 58 families like Michael's find comfort and care at our House.
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