Seventeen-year-old Aja Phan and her mom, Sheila, are closer than most mothers and daughters. After staying at the Ronald McDonald House 12 times in 2019, with two stays of nearly 150 days each, it’s not difficult to see why. Aja was a typical high school freshman battling finals, preparing for the upcoming soccer season, when her family noticed she was…
Grace (age 5) can be found in the Great Room at RMHC, with best friend Ashton, playing kitties, dancing or preparing for futures as superstar singers. It’s a beautiful sight: kids with complicated needs laughing and loving without complication. And it’s in stark contrast to a memory of Sara and Craig being told their baby only had a 50% chance…
In a sea of uncertainty, stress and health complications, Ashton and Sherry find support, courage and joy at RMHC. Greg and I have been blessed to have three beautiful daughters – Ashton (age 5), Amelia (age 2), and Avery (age 1). They all have such big personalities; seeing them together, it may be surprising to learn Ashton was born with…
The Ronald McDonald House puts smiles on Jillian and Lydia’s faces as they go through treatment together. Amanda and Brent Upton are parents to two medically complex kiddos, Jillian (age 6) and Lydia (age 2). After Jillian was born, she was vomiting profusely and could not gain weight. Since then, the doctors have not been able to determine exactly what’s…
Josh was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of his sophomore year in high school – a complete shock to the family to say the least. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and started his first round of chemotherapy immediately. My wife and I spent the first few days eating and sleeping at CHW before the suggestion of…
The Ronald McDonald House keeps the Martin family together through any challenge that comes their way. Nathaniel was three, hospitalized again, in rough shape with no clear treatment plan. His parents, Tammy and Doug, were worried, worn down, and without direction. Then Tammy was approached by a friend with urgent encouragement: Don’t give up. Looking back, pregnancy was not easy…
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, the Green family had to say goodbye to their sweet girl. With the family’s permission, we share their story and honor the memory of baby Zylah. Zamiyah, Zariha, and Zaliyah know the Ronald McDonald House as well as they know their own home. The girls gleefully trip over one another to reach the…
Last Christmas, Junior Jolivard opened the door to his guest room at the Ronald McDonald House, preparing to face another day since his son, Daniel, had been admitted to the hospital two months prior. Instead, he was greeted with an unexpected sight – gifts for his family, and more at the door of each family staying in the House. Being…
