Family Stories

17-year-old Hunter celebrates birthday by supporting Ronald McDonald House

May 17, 2023

In 2021, 16-year-old Hunter Hildebrand was diagnosed with Pectus Carinatum, a life-threatening condition that reduces lung capacity and makes breathing difficult. The Quincy, Illinois, native traveled to St. Louis for … Read more

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Geen Family finds comfort in the Ronald McDonald Family Room during son’s cancer treatments

May 11, 2023

On October 25, 2021, Jennifer and Brian Geen heard the devasting news that two-year-old Ollie was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a rare form of liver cancer that affects about 1 in … Read more

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The West County Ronald McDonald House supports the Lawson Family during NICU stay

October 28, 2022

When Sydney and Eric Lawson found out they were expecting their third child, they were overjoyed to add a new addition to their family. Four months into their pregnancy, they … Read more

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The Stevens family honors the memory of their daughter Macy by starting a foundation to support fellow families

October 14, 2022

Karen and Jordan Stevens were expecting a beautiful, healthy baby girl until their five-month check-up. The couple was devastated when the doctor shared the difficult news that their baby was … Read more

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Barrett’s family stayed close when they needed it most thanks to RMHC

July 14, 2022

On February 8, 2019, Betina and Dustin Hood welcomed their son, Barrett, into the world. Barrett was diagnosed with Radial Longitudinal Deficiency or Radial Club Hand and other internal complications … Read more

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Reflections from Laura Cox

October 21, 2021

Our twins were born 6 weeks early and were soon transferred from our local hospital to [SSM Health] Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. With help from the social worker at the … Read more

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Reflections from Kaela Woods, a mother who used the Ronald McDonald Family Room

October 20, 2021

We were blessed to stay at the Ronald McDonald house and use the facilities at Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis for multiple stays. We had our preemie twins Chase and … Read more

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Meet Charla Jestic

October 20, 2021

I was a “frequent flyer” patient of the pediatric unit at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis when I was surprisingly diagnosed with very severe Ulcerative Colitis. I showed up at … Read more

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Allie’s parents found a home-away-from-home at the Park Avenue Ronald McDonald House

August 25, 2021

On November 26, 2004, Laurie Drees gave birth to her daughter, Allie, at St. Anthony’s hospital in Effingham, Illinois. Immediately after delivery, little Allie – weighing nearly two pounds – … Read more

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The Ronald McDonald Family Room kept a Wentzville family close when it mattered most

May 15, 2021

When Megan Smith checked into Progress West Hospital – where she normally spends her days as a nurse rather than a patient – for a scheduled C-section on August 2, … Read more

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Rowan’s parents found comfort in the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside St. Louis Children’s Hospital

May 15, 2021

Amy and Tim Turner’s youngest son Rowan was born on September 7, 2010. During the one-month wellness check-up, his pedestrian discovered an irregularity in his little heart and sent the … Read more

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Everett’s mom, Amanda, found comfort and care when she needed it most

May 7, 2021

In early January, Amanda Wallace went into labor almost nine weeks early. She was admitted to Alton Memorial Hospital before being immediately transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for observation. … Read more

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