A Message from Grandma Lucy
Dear Friends of San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House,
I was so worried when as a toddler, my granddaughter Zoe started having swelling around her eyes. Her doctor thought it was an allergy and told her mom to be careful with what Zoe ate. But the swelling got worse and spread to other parts of her body. With two trips to the local hospital during the worst times of swelling, we still had no idea what was wrong.
In Search of Answers
My daughter Melissa packed Zoe in the car and headed to Rady Children’s Hospital, two hours away. My husband and I stayed back with our grandson, praying for our daughter and granddaughter all the while.
At the hospital in San Diego, Zoe was diagnosed almost immediately with nephrotic syndrome, which could lead to kidney failure if not treated. Zoe’s inpatient treatment began right then, with her mom at her side
I can’t imagine little Zoe being without her mom—she would have been so scared.
And I know my daughter couldn’t bear to leave her baby. The Ronald McDonald House helped keep them together when it mattered most.
Respite at Ronald McDonald House
After a night at Zoe’s side in the hospital, she’d come for a shower and a hot breakfast. The Ronald McDonald House was the home base Melissa needed to take care of life’s basics far from home. It was such a relief—the Ronald McDonald House took care of my daughter so she could focus on hers.
Zoe spent Christmas at the hospital that year. She and her brother had lots of presents thanks to the Ronald McDonald House and all the people who gave to help kids like my granddaughter have a happy holiday.
It’s been a long journey to good health for Zoe, with infusions, medications, a special diet, and doctor visits. She’s been going strong, without relapse, for five years now.
And now I give to the Ronald McDonald House because it’s so important to give back. I do it by monthly credit card withdrawal. It’s easy!
Truly, I don’t know what we’d have done without the Ronald McDonald House. I hope you’ll join me in giving.
Warmly,
Lucy Silvestre
P.S. Each $50 you give can help a family stay a night near the hospital. Please give as many nights as you can.
P.P.S. Monthly giving is easy! Just tick the box for recurring donation at the “Give Now’ button above.
