When Greyson Holcomb was born, his parents had only moments to hold him before doctors rushed him to the neonatal intensive care unit at Rady Children’s Hospital. They could not have known how long his medical journey would be—or that Ronald McDonald House San Diego would become the lifeline that kept them close.

Early Challenges

Haley and Kyle learned before delivery that their son would face medical challenges, but watching him undergo surgery so soon after birth was overwhelming. Greyson required several procedures and faced serious complications. Their home in Lake Elsinore was 90 minutes away—too far for daily trips. Staying at the House let them stay just steps from Greyson and his medical team, day and night.

A Home for Healing

San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House gave the family a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty. Haley was coping with postpartum depression, while Kyle balanced hospital hours and family responsibilities. They benefited from consistent, nourishing meals served by caring volunteers and interactions with staff who knew them by name. They could rest and focus on Greyson. Haley recalls,

“It was a really dark time. I don’t know what I would have done without the staff. Everyone helped lift my spirits and gave me words of encouragement.”

Moments of Delight

Their daughter, Bettie, whom they had adopted from Haley’s brother, was just months older than Greyson and was able to stay at the House during his more recent hospitalizations.

“Bettie had a blast,” Haley says. “She played in the playroom and Cooper’s Corner, and joined group activities like making slime.”

“For the first time, we could enjoy special moments together even while Greyson was in the hospital.”

Greyson was able to stay at the House between procedures, too, with a favorite spot being the water feature.

Thriving Together

Greyson had more than 20 surgeries in his first three years. Today, he is four and thriving. The family still returns to the House for follow-up care, finding the same comfort and support that helped them through their earliest, most critical days. With his parents by his side and the House as their home away from home, Greyson and his family can face each new challenge together.