Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

Contact Us|Get Email Updates
  • Services
    • Lodging
    • Meals
    • Family Care Center
    • Education & Enrichment
    • Stay With Us
      • Eligibility Information
      • What to Expect
      • Rules & Guidelines
      • Guest FAQs
  • Events
    • Events & Ways to Help
    • Raffles
    • Signature House Events
    • Community Events
    • Become a Sponsor
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Serve a Meal
    • Start a Campaign
    • Wish Lists
    • Group Opportunities
    • Other Ways to Help
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Giving Circles
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Planning Your Legacy
    • Give to a Campaign
    • Other Ways to Give
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Board of Trustees
    • Staff
    • Our Community

Cassandra and Her House, Then and Now

June 30, 2017 by Marcy Rodin

Share This On

Cassandra and Her House, Then and Now

Cassandra Junkin’s parents knew something was wrong when their usually cheerful four-year old was too listless to play. It was Valentine’s Day, and she had no interest in cards or sweets. Doctor’s visits and tests revealed the unthinkable: Cassandra had leukemia and needed treatment right away.

That was 10 years ago, in 2007. Leticia and Don Junkin kept close to their daughter by staying at our original Ronald McDonald House. At the time, the Junkins wrote,

The Ronald McDonald House is such a wonderful refuge, for us and for other families who’d been dealt such a terrible blow. Cassandra received all the care we could give her, thanks to the Ronald McDonald House.

Beyond their guest room and life’s basics like laundry and kitchen equipment, Leticia valued having computer access to research Cassandra’s treatment. The Junkins could relax over a free hot meal every evening at the Ronald McDonald House. It’s even better for families today, as our guests now have access to three meals daily, free of charge.

After a month as an inpatient, Cassandra could leave the hospital, but she had to stay close for ongoing treatments and readmission in case of emergency. For the next several months, Cassandra lived with her parents at the Ronald McDonald House. Cassandra kept active with toys and crafts in the playroom. She felt happy and secure there.

Even so, treatment wasn’t easy. Leticia remembers times when Cassandra was crying and in pain during tests or treatments at the hospital.

Cassandra would struggle and say, “I want to go to my Ronald McDonald House.”

Moments like that are heartbreaking. Fortunately, we were right across the street, waiting with a hug on her return.

Ten years later

Cassandra’s days of chemotherapy are long behind her. Now a high school student in Coronado, Cassandra enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her three dogs. And for families who come to the Ronald McDonald House in their time of crisis, her parents offer this advice:

Remember you’re not alone. The Ronald McDonald House will have people who understand what you’re going through, who can help you gain strength for the next day.

The Junkins are one of over 12,000 families who stayed at the original Ronald McDonald House between 1980 and 2009. On July 13, 2017 it will reopen as the new North House, and the Junkins will be there to celebrate.

About the North House Expansion

Comments

See All Stories
Volunteer Be Our Guest Give

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
See All Events

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 …

See All News

Thank You to Our Sponsors

McDonald’s Inc

Helix

PreviousNext

Stay Connected

Give NOW Learn more about our group and corporate opportunities Fundraisers

Contact Us | Careers | Press Room | Board Portal | Terms of Use | Privacy

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.