The Massoni Family gives back after finding comfort and care inside the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Michael Massoni is a lovable two-year-old from the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights. Today, this little guy is happy and healthy, but this time two years ago, he was fighting for his life.
Shortly after he was born, Michael was diagnosed with an intestinal disorder called Hirschsprung’s Disease after he was struggling to eat and experiencing digestion problems. As a result, he spent a month at Mercy Children’s Hospital last spring and has since endured several surgeries.
During one of the most terrifying times of their lives, Michael’s parents, Andy and Jennifer, relied on our in-hospital Ronald McDonald Family Room to stay by their son’s side. It helped ease their financial burden, saving them trips to and from home and providing much-needed pick-me-ups, like coffee and snacks. More importantly, it gave them a place to spend time with their daughter, Sophia, that was just steps away from Michael’s hospital room.
“The Family Room helped us feel normal, even if it was for 10 minutes,” says Jennifer.
To celebrate Michael’s first birthday, the Massoni family collected wish list items for Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis in lieu of gifts, which they plan to do for future birthdays, as well.
“It seemed like the right thing to do,” says Jennifer. “We don’t need gifts; all we need is him.”
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