Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

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Cheering for Kayla

Kayla with parents Russell and Tanysha Brown
Kayla with parents Russell and Tanysha Brown

Murrieta high-schooler Kayla Brown is a natural role model and trailblazer for her four younger sisters. She makes the most of life with school, sports, church, and travel. But last year, this strong sister faced an unwanted adversary: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

It was devastating. Kayla’s treatment began right away with six weeks at Rady Children’s Hospital, more than an hour from home.

In spite of their own tremendous anxiety about their daughter’s diagnosis, parents Tanysha and Russell Brown knew it was vital to help Kayla stay positive. “Learning of Kayla’s condition was a life changing experience,” says Tanysha. “We cried a lot. We wondered if something we’d done had caused it. Eventually, we realized that as a family, we needed to embrace it and be strong for each other.”

Finding relief in a safe and loving environment

The Ronald McDonald House helped the Browns stay strong for Kayla. According to Tanysha, it was an incredible relief to be able to sleep and take care of basic needs just a short walk from the hospital, rather than wasting precious hours in an exhausting commute. “The Ronald McDonald House provides a very safe and loving environment for families,” says Tanysha.

From the greeting at the front door to the smiles in the hallways, it all means so much.

Russell and Tanysha were thankful for the staff and volunteers who went out of their way to make sure they felt at home. The girls took part in summer camp activities, and the family enjoyed meals together and laughs in the game room. They valued the interfaith reflection room as a peaceful space for prayer and quiet thought.

After the first six weeks as an inpatient, Kayla returned for a day or two every other week for chemotherapy. She and her mom would stay at the House for these shorter stays while her dad held down the fort back at work and home. Kayla’s now down to even less frequent maintenance treatments.

Kayla misses her volleyball tournaments— she can’t play due to her chemotherapy port, and treatments reduce her energy and get in the way of teenage life. But she’s still her determined, outgoing, and kind self. She’s moving forward and facing her challenges with the best cheerleading squad she could have—her family, right at her side when it matters most.

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Events & Ways to Help

Virtual Red Shoe Day
June 3, 2021
Virtual Red Shoe Day
Mar 2, 2021 2021 Virtual San Diego Cake Show
Mar 2, 2021 Seeking Video Gaming Enthusiasts!
Mar 23, 2021 Family Movie Nights
Apr 25, 2021 Kendra Scott Give Back Event
Apr 26, 2021 Support Meals for Families
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Around The House

Donate Containers for Meals
Donate Containers for Meals

Each day we serve more than 250 family meals and to-go meals for families not staying with …

40 Years of Keeping Families Close
40 Years of Keeping Families Close

Highlights of 40 Years Together It’s amazing what caring San Diegans have created to help …

Your Vehicle Donation Can Help Keep Families Together!
Your Vehicle Donation Can Help Keep Families Together!

Have a Car You Don’t Need? Donate It to Create Care for Families! Did you know that, on av …

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Stories From Our Families

Emma Joy’s Journey
Emma Joy’s Journey
Declan’s Crew
Declan’s Crew
Together with Valeria
Together with Valeria
Cheering for Kayla
Cheering for Kayla
Crossing an Ocean for Milo
Crossing an Ocean for Milo
Cassandra and Her House, Then and Now
Cassandra and Her House, Then and Now
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Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Legoland

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Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego
2929 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123

©RMHC.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.