Stories

By all standards, Gigi was a vibrant, playful and adventurous 5-year-old. That changed last February when a persistent infection turned out to be something much more serious. After antibiotics didn’t help, her mom, Jenni, took her to the ER in Rapid City, South Dakota. More tests revealed a diagnosis that would change their lives: Gigi had leukemia. She needed specialized care, so she was life-flighted to Denver, where her battle against leukemia began with a six-week-long stay in the oncology department at a Denver hospital.

Grateful isn’t a strong enough word. That’s what Jeannette, a former guest at our Denver Ronald McDonald House told us recently. For her family, and for so many families, Ronald McDonald House of Denver provided a refuge during an unimaginable storm.

From the moment Hannah Ingraham was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) during a routine ultrasound, her life was set to be a remarkable journey of resilience and courage. HLHS is a severe congenital defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. It was a life-altering discovery that made Hannah’s family face unimaginable choices.

Over 239 days, the Taylor family’s journey, marked by their unborn son’s heart condition, unfolds with resilience and hope at the Aurora Ronald McDonald House. This post captures their remarkable story of love and strength, showcasing the unwavering spirit of a family united in the face of adversity.

Last September, something unimaginable happened to the Goff family. Far away from the rest of the family who live in Powell, Wyoming, 20-year-old Ben was involved in a horrific car accident in Northern Colorado. He suffered extensive injuries to his skull and was immediately airlifted to Swedish hospital in Denver. It all happened so quickly that, by the time his family was notified, Ben was already having surgery. He would remain in a coma for 3-weeks and eventually undergo a skull implant to replace part of his cranium that was damaged during the accident.

Imagine how your outlook would change if, just five months into your pregnancy, you were told that the emergency care needed for your unborn child was 750 miles away. It’s a story that Noah and Judy Scharaga know all too well.

One of our newest team members, Reese Bomberger, shares his own touching story of the journey from guest family to staff member at Ronald McDonald House. Reese joined the Development/fundraising team earlier this year: