Family Stories

Here are some stories that tell what it's like to find out your child is seriously ill and how the Ronald McDonald House makes that experience easier. Some are told by the parents; others are told by the children themselves.


Matthew's Story Age: 5 years Hometown: Wasilla, AK. Diagnosis: T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma As told by his mom It is often very difficult to diagnosis a serious illness in a child. That was the case with Matthew who lives in a small town outside of Anchorage. After numerous visits, his doctor sent Matthew to a hospital in Anchorage for further testing. His mom packed for an overnight stay. When the tests came, they learned Matthew had cancer and instead of going home, Matthew needed to fly to Seattle the next day. They had a few short hours to prepare. The House proved to be a lifesaver. Read more	Jonathan's Story Age: 6 years Hometown: Kennewick, WA Diagnosis: Rare disease resulting in liver cancer As told by his mom We’ve been coming to the Ronald McDonald House for five years. The House has been Jonathan’s home for as long as he can remember. When we go back to Kennewick, Jonathan wants to be here. He thinks of the Ronald McDonald House and hospital as his family. Ronald McDonald House provided us with a place to heal. The people here helped us and gave us stability. We first stayed at the House after Jonathan’s first liver transplant. We had planned on staying in our 5th wheel camper, where our family, including Jonathan’s two older sisters, had all stayed when he initially was diagnosed with liver cancer at age one. Read more	Teigan's Story Age: 4 years Hometown: Great Falls, MT. Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) As told by his mom Teigan was a very healthy four-year-old, so when he began running a fever his parents took him to the doctor. Although initial blood tests suggested a rare virus that would improve within a couple months, further tests revealed shocking news. Teigan had cancer. The doctor said he needed to go to Children’s Hospital in Seattle right away. “We didn’t have a clue as to what we were facing or how long we would be in Seattle,” said Stephanie, Teigan’s mom. “We were too concerned about Teigan to really think about where we would stay.” Read more

Matthew's Story

Age: 5 years
Hometown: Wasilla, AK.
Diagnosis: T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

As told by his mom
It is often very difficult to diagnosis a serious illness in a child. That was the case with Matthew who lives in a small town outside of Anchorage. After numerous visits, his doctor sent Matthew to a hospital in Anchorage for further testing. His mom packed for an overnight stay.

When the tests came, they learned Matthew had cancer and instead of going home, Matthew needed to fly to Seattle the next day. They had a few short hours to prepare. The House proved to be a lifesaver. Read more

Jonathan's Story

Age: 6 years
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
Diagnosis: Rare disease resulting in liver cancer

As told by his mom
We’ve been coming to the Ronald McDonald House for five years. The House has been Jonathan’s home for as long as he can remember. When we go back to Kennewick, Jonathan wants to be here. He thinks of the Ronald McDonald House and hospital as his family.

Ronald McDonald House provided us with a place to heal. The people here helped us and gave us stability. We first stayed at the House after Jonathan’s first liver transplant. We had planned on staying in our 5th wheel camper, where our family, including Jonathan’s two older sisters, had all stayed when he initially was diagnosed with liver cancer at age one. Read more

Teigan's Story

Age: 4 years
Hometown: Great Falls, MT.
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

As told by his mom
Teigan was a very healthy four-year-old, so when he began running a fever his parents took him to the doctor. Although initial blood tests suggested a rare virus that would improve within a couple months, further tests revealed shocking news. Teigan had cancer. The doctor said he needed to go to Children’s Hospital in Seattle right away.

“We didn’t have a clue as to what we were facing or how long we would be in Seattle,” said Stephanie, Teigan’s mom. “We were too concerned about Teigan to really think about where we would stay.”

If you would like to learn more about the families staying at the House, please contact Public Relations at (206) 838-0624.