malachi
Watching the show House on television may be entertaining, but Malachi (Mal-ah-kye) will tell you it’s no fun living through anything like it in real life. An active, athletic 10-year-old, Malachi was practicing his little league pitching skills only to wake up the next morning with an incredibly painful left shoulder. What followed over the next several weeks was a baffling series of inflammations, recoveries and diagnoses. Even after being admitted to Seattle Children’s Hospital, the puzzlement over what was afflicting Malachi continued.
These were anguishing days for his parents, Joan and Tom, especially when they suddenly found themselves almost 200 miles from home and still without answers. Before learning about the Ronald McDonald House just blocks from the hospital, Tom spent a couple nights in the family car while Joan stayed bed side with Malachi.
After many tests and different diagnoses, a bone marrow biopsy finally revealed Malachi had Leukemia. Grateful for having a treatment plan at last, the family also learned they would need to stay in Seattle for almost a year. While Joan now lives with Malachi at the House full-time, Tom is frequently in Kennewick, both for his work as pastor of a church, and to care for Malachi’s older brother, Isaac. Their room allows them to be together as a family as often as possible.
After staying at the House now for over 10 months, the parents marvel at what the House offers their family and others going through similar situations. “It has been so much more than I expected,” says Joan. “I had no idea there would be so much to help us – the resource center, activities and meals…our experience has been overwhelmingly good.”
“You never imagine you’ll have to go through something like this, and how would you ever think of everything that’s needed? Thankfully, someone else has,” adds Tom. “This place is so much more than people know. I won’t ever leave a McDonald’s with change in my pocket again. If people had the experience of living here, they would be as amazed and totally grateful as we are.”
A cool-headed and strong boy, Malachi has made friends with other kids staying at the House and Joan expresses appreciation for the communal aspects of living here. “It would be one thing financially if we had to pay to stay at a motel, but staying in a place like that would also leave you isolated. Here there are other parents who can listen and understand, and also prepare you for what is ahead. That is a huge benefit.”
Asked what he is most looking forward to when going home, Malachi brightens and mentions his mischievous toy poodle, TJ. Sitting close by, Tom teases, “don’t you miss your dad?” Malachi, not missing a beat, replies with a smile, “No, because you’re always here.”