Since the 1990s, RMHOC has been a part of Lana and her family’s lives – making a long-lasting impact in the trajectory of her life as a patient with cancer.
"Back in the early 90s, the world was very different and the resources that existed were nowhere as advanced or comprehensive as they are today... Ronald McDonald House was a staple in my life, as a child,” shares Lana. “Being diagnosed with cancer not only affected me, but it affected my whole family, my parents financially, and my sister. It was hard for us all, and it certainly has had a long-lasting impact.”
After receiving the diagnosis, Lana’s family had no experience navigating treatment and with a younger sister who could not be around Lana, family members would chip in to drive to and from the hospital.
“Reflecting back and really understanding the little elements like being able to wash your clothes and have a good night’s rest... those initially weren’t things that my family even considered. But, that’s what the Ronald McDonald House provided my family,” Lana explains. “They gave my parents a moment of solace, and emotional support and were really comprehensive. They allowed my sister to have the support to help her understand what was going on and help her overall well-being.”
To Lana, the House is a beacon of stability – stability in a time when everything is chaotic. “It is the most unique organization that is truly comprehensive in every aspect of a need... it provides help quite literally in the moment, and there are many experiences and families that can attest that there's no [right] timing when your child becomes sick.”
The impact of the charity and House on Lana’s life wouldn’t be complete with the staff who serve. "I 100% stand behind the staff are the most thoughtful and loving and committed individuals to the mission and they truly make the experience unforgettable. It could be one in the morning. It could be on a Saturday. It doesn't matter who you are and where you're from, they’ll be there saying, Do you need a toothbrush? Do you want to step down the hall? What do you need in this moment?, and that's a beautiful thing to give people.
