11 Dec The McManus Family

Posted at 14:03h in Our Families by

55 day stay at RMHC

When most people think about McDonald’s, they are trying to decide between a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. For our family, it goes much further. In December of 2010 we gained a whole new appreciation for the company, specifically the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Our son Jaxson was born at 32 weeks weighing only 3 pounds and 12 ounces at MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina. He was born with a congenital heart defect. Living more than 3 hours away, our family was graciously given a home-away from home at The Ronald McDonald House near the hospital. We were residents in the house for 55 days.

Over the next 4 years The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston never turned us away when Jax needed care. Most recently, we stayed in the house for 23 days while our son had his 3rd open heart surgery. We came bearing gifts this time, after saving and collecting for 2 years…12 pounds of can tabs! The house means more to us than I can easily articulate. For a family with a seriously ill child, a warm shower and a soft place to sleep is a luxury that is easily taken for granted. The Ronald McDonald House provided daily meals and snacks, making it easy for us to stay strong physically when we would otherwise not eat due to stress or financial burden. The warm and caring staff of the house always had a kind and encouraging word, offering what they could to make us as comfortable as possible. Jaxson spent 1 night in the house before his surgery and became instant friends with the house dog, Gardy.

Throughout his hospital stay he would beg us to go to the Ronald McDonald House to see Gardy! On our day of discharge, we made sure to get a picture in Ronald’s big red shoes along with Gardy. The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston holds a very special place in our heart! Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for the staff, home and everyone who helps by supporting them. While Jaxson’s heart was being ‘fixed’ at MUSC, The Ronald McDonald House of Charleston was taking care of our hearts.