Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego


Contact Us|Get Email Updates
Give Now
  • 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
  • Ways to Give
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Giving Circles
    • Corporate & Community
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Planning Your Legacy
    • Give Appreciated Securities
    • Other Ways to Give
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Board of Trustees
    • Staff
    • Our Community

Emma Joy’s Journey

April 14, 2020 by Marcy Rodin

Share This On

Emma Joy’s Journey

Blake and Stephanie Booth are young pastors and parents to three active children who love reading and telling stories together. They were stunned when their oldest child, Emma Joy, was diagnosed with cancer at five years old. Emma needed immediate hospitalization, and she needed her parents at her side.

Blake and Stephanie had nothing with them and no plans for staying overnight, let alone for an extended time away from home. A hospital social worker helped arrange for them to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

A Private Refuge

Stephanie recalls what her first night at the House meant to her, after having spent nights at Emma’s side in the hospital.

I just lost it. I cried and prayed. I could finally pour my heart out in a safe place and begin to process what was happening.

This private refuge helped Stephanie find new peace and strength to go back to the hospital and be the positive, comforting presence her daughter needed.

Emma in hospital
Emma Joy

“We couldn’t have afforded a hotel, even if we wanted it,” says Blake. “I was so thankful for a shower, a toothbrush – all the little things to help us meet our basic needs.” It made life easier amid the chaos.

The Booths didn’t have to worry about where to stay or how to take care of their younger children. They could stay together at the House. The kids especially loved the play areas, and there was always something they could do. The parents felt the care and camaraderie that develops among families at the House.

We were all going through pain, change and difficulty, but we were all there together.

Growing Stronger Together

Emma Joy is in remission and has been able to go home between treatments. She will continue chemotherapy through September 2021. At times, she’s stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and taken great advantage of the craft table and play yard. She even got a special volunteer-made princess wig at the House from the Magic Yarn Project.

Elijah and Emma
Emma pushing Elijah and Logan

The Booths have grown stronger as a family through Emma Joy’s journey, and their hearts and compassion for others has grown from their experience. As Stephanie says,

In the midst of the darkness, there is always light. The Ronald McDonald House is an example of that. Thank you, Ronald McDonald House!

Comments

See All Stories
Volunteer Be Our Guest Give

Events & Ways to Help

Dinner with Friends
October 21, 2023
Dinner with Friends
Aug 3, 2023 Back to School Donation Drive
Sep 21, 2023 SeaWorld Spooktacular Savings
Oct 21, 2023 Dinner with Friends: Disco Theme!
See All Events

Around The House

Tour Your San Diego Ronald McDonald House
Tour Your San Diego Ronald McDonald House

We invite you to take a video tour of San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House and learn about th …

Ride for a Cause a Resounding Success
Ride for a Cause a Resounding Success

On Saturday, July 22, our San Diego Ronald McDonald House welcomed over 150 motorcycle rid …

Celebrating Holidays at the House
Celebrating Holidays at the House

Our staff and dedicated volunteers try to make the holidays special for families staying a …

See All News

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Feeding San Diego

RCP Block & Brick

Bama

Challenger Sheet Metal, Inc.

Dynalectric San Diego

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.