20 Jul Far From Home, But Not Alone

Quiana was excited for all the changes that come with motherhood.

But no mom could prepare for what came next.

Her baby, Graham, was born with Hirschsprung Disease, a nerve condition in his intestines.

He also has Down Syndrome, and he would need several surgeries on his colon and heart — the first at just 9 days old.

“We’ve been in the hospital more than we’ve been at home.”

On top of that, the specialized medical care Graham needed was at a hospital three hours from their home! Quiana’s life didn’t just change … it was turned upside down. She was scared, and  she was going to need help from Ronald McDonald House Charities® …and you.

The First Fragile Days

All Quiana wanted was to be near her newborn son. But there was no way she could manage a daily commute, or the cost of spending weeks in a hotel. Then, Quiana found out that friends like you had solved her problem. Because you give, she could stay right by the hospital at Ronald McDonald House. It was exactly what she needed. Quiana says, “I could stay close to my son 24 hours a day. It made feeding him easier. It made getting information from the doctors easier.” Your kindness meant the world to her. She says, “I found out I wasn’t alone.”

Finding Strength

Over the next few months, Graham fought a brave battle. He had to return to the hospital for several lengthy stays, for heart surgeries and to receive a feeding tube. Each time, Quiana stayed nearby at Ronald McDonald House.

Quiana laughs when she says, “We’ve been in the hospital more than we’ve been at home.” She says she wouldn’t want to stay anywhere but the House during these trying times.

Today, Graham is a happy baby who loves music. Maybe he’ll grow up to play saxophone, like his dad! Whatever he does, you’ll always be part of his special story, because you were there for Graham and his mom when they needed each other most.

Thank you for keeping families together while they battle illness. Your support is priceless! Quiana wrote a letter to say thank you – read it below.

A MOTHER’S THANKS

Dear Friend,

I want to say thank you. 

No one ever thinks their child will get sick. I didn’t. I remember when I used to donate my spare change to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Had I known one day I would need to stay there, and we’d be living on one income instead of two while we care for a sick baby, I would have given more. 

Your donation really does help families, right here in your local area. It is truly needed and appreciated.

You give families hope. Peace of mind. Comfort. Shelter. Food. When we’re not concerned with these basic needs, we can concentrate on what matters: our children.

There’s no way that I could ever repay everything that Ronald McDonald House has meant to me and my family. We will never take your support for granted. 

Thank you.

Quiana