Stories of Strength

September 27th, 2024 | News

Time is precious, especially when your child is on a transplant list. For some families, the ability to navigate a challenging medical journey means they have the strength and wisdom to comfort others going through similar situations. Our team has witnessed it countless times.  Whether they cross paths during a stay at the Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room, or they find each other due to similar medical conditions, these connections can be life-changing.   

Sarah and her husband, Denzel, spent 208 days (about 7 months) at RMHC-Madison while their eighteen-month-old son, DJ, was on a transplant list. He was diagnosed with severe heart failure. Following a successful surgery this summer, they returned home with a healthy toddler in tow. Learn more about their story here. 

During their stay, they met another family on a hospital elevator going through a nearly identical procedure. The mothers – Sarah and Isabella – started meeting regularly for lunch; their shared experience preparing each other for the weeks and months ahead.  

Isabella’s two-year-old daughter, Ali, was born with a congenital heart block, a pacemaker installed at birth. Her doctors described her as the “luckiest unlucky little girl in the world.” Despite early medical challenges, it wasn’t until last March that they discovered Ali’s heart was failing and rushed her to American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison from their home in Des Moines. Isabella’s parents and local community were a constant support during the long waiting game. Ali’s preschool class even held a lemonade fundraiser which garnered local media attention. Click here to see more.  

Yet the friendship between these two mothers ran deep. When a match was discovered for Ali, Sarah made the trip back to Madison to be by Isabella’s side for the surgery, and then again upon their discharge from the hospital. New friends, lending unconditional support during this anxious time.  

“Throughout our journey, we formed the friendship of a lifetime. At any time of day if I need someone to talk to, she will be there,” said Sarah. Isabella wholeheartedly agrees.  

Now, even the healthy toddlers get together for playdates. 

Words cannot describe what this level of caring comfort provides families. Many guests and visitors to Ronald McDonald House Charities are deeply moved by the warmth and compassion felt as they walk through the doors.  It is a place of healing and hope, embodied by staff, volunteers, benefactors, and, yes, families, as they come together to support each other. 

Keeping families close has never been more rewarding. This is a mission we are proud to uphold.