Leaning In

The Franco Family came to stay at the Ronald McDonald House when they found out that their youngest, 10-month-old Miracle, was going to need a liver transplant.

To Miracle’s parents, Daniel and Heidi, even the simplest things, like toiletries and laundry soap, made the biggest difference for their family. Daniel said, “You don’t have to worry about that, so it is not in the back of your mind.”

In the chaos of medical crisis, families like 10-month-old Miracle’s need your support more than ever.

The Sibling Perspective – 11-year-old Trinity

Miracle’s 11-year-old big sister, Trinity, stays with her family nearby the hospital where her sister is being cared for.

With three older sisters herself, Trinity says that it has been an adjustment being at the House. “I’m a younger sibling too, which is kind of weird for me to be like an older sister.” But she’s been finding comfort in new friends, some of whom are also waiting for transplants like her baby sister.

“If I were to describe the Ronald McDonald House to my friends, I would tell them that it’s a beautiful place to meet new people and to learn about people,” she said. “I see kids around here, and I can tell that they feel fine, but I think on the inside of them they’re, like, worried about how the world thinks about them—like if they ever go back to school, how they’re old friends or their new friends are going to make fun of them. They want to be normal and stuff, I think.”

Siblings are deeply affected by childhood illness, which is why we have a special focus on keeping them together during medical crisis. Miracle’s dad, Daniel, puts it perfectly: “Being here together at Ronald McDonald House as a family together, it allows us to nurture our kids and explain to them what’s going on because they go through it too. They stress out, too, just as much as we do.”

Finding Moments of Normalcy

According to dad, Daniel, the kids’ favorite activity at the House is Bingo Night. “Man, they go crazy for that,” he said with a smile. “That right there just brings joy to them.” Every Tuesday, the families are invited to join in on a round of Bingo to win a new toy.

Miracle’s 8-year-old sister, Serenity, shared that her favorite prize so far has been a piggy bank that she gets to put her money in.

On top of Bingo Night, the Franco kids enjoy reading in our Great Rooms, taking part in Fun Club activities, and playing on our outdoor playground.

Give today to help families like the Francos find moments of joy when they need it most.