April 21, 2008 - most people don't remember anything about this date, but I will never forget it. This is the day I was told my seven year old daughter, Alex had Leukemia. I never dreamed my child could have become ill with cancer, and the shock, fear, and sadness were overwhelming. Alex was born on October 23, 2000 and had a very healthy childhood. She first started feeling bad this spring and when her blood-work levels became abnormal a bone marrow test was done which confirmed that Alex had cancer. On April 22, 2008 we were flown to Memphis to start immediate treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The hospital and staff at St. Jude showed me something I had never seen before. They knew what they were doing and truly cared about us. They helped get us settled for a lengthy stay.

 

Once we arrived in Memphis we found out that we would be staying at Ronald McDonald House. RMH is located very close to the hospital, which makes it very convenient for the patients and families. I have now seen the shock and dazed looks on the faces of other new families, but each of us soon found out that we can all adjust. We started meeting the staff and other families and Ronald McDonald House became our "home-away-from-home". Each day we are surrounded by families who are going through similar things as we are and we learn from each other daily.

 

What's amazing about Ronald McDonald House is that you find yourself building life long friendships with the other families and kids. The staff and volunteers are great; they are there to help any way they can. The House has several play areas, craft rooms and video game rooms that all the kids can enjoy. Alex has enjoyed just about all of them while staying here, she even wants to go to the workout room and get in shape. Many people come here to cook for us and do fun activities with the kids - this is one of the things that Alex enjoys the most. It is wonderful to see how many people care about making Ronald McDonald House a fun and enjoyable place to stay.

 

Ronald McDonald House has been a lifesaver for my family. We are here to get Alex 100% better and knowing that we have a roof over our head is comforting. Alex is currently in remission and we are now in the fight to keep the cancer gone - we have about 2 1/2 more years to go. We know that when we need to come to Memphis again we will always have a wonderful place to stay - Ronald McDonald House!

 

Alex's Mom