Family Story: Christian has family with him while battling cancer
Christian Duncan. Photo provided by family
To date in 2019, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama has provided comfort and care for 64 families who are battling childhood cancer. This serious diagnosis is consistently one of the top 5 reasons a family needs our Ronald McDonald House. Children like Christian need, and deserve, to have their parents and loved ones nearby while they receive cancer treatments in Birmingham.
Your support of RMHCA makes it possible to relieve some of the financial and emotional burden from Christian’s parents.
“I would like all RMHCA volunteers and donors to know that their efforts and funds are going towards a wonderful cause,” Christian’s mom Vanessa says. “Our family has benefited greatly by having RMHCA as a place to live during this difficult period. We have saved on lodging and food expenses that would otherwise cause us financial hardship.”
The family is from Montgomery and has been traveling to and from Birmingham for nine months, seeking the best care possible for 18-month-old Christian.
“The Ronald McDonald House has helped our family by providing a safe, comfortable, and beautiful place to live between Christian’s treatments,” Vanessa says. “The House provides meals and fun activities for us to do as a family. The playground is Christian’s favorite!”
Christian riding a tricycle on the playground. Photo provided by family
Childhood cancer families return frequently to the Ronald McDonald House. Our 64 guest families battling childhood cancer have stayed at the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House 180 times in 2019. That’s why your support of time and treasure make a lasting impact for families not just once, but over the many times they stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
Over many months, Christian will receive additional chemo, a bone marrow transplant, radiation and maintenance therapy. For his parents, it’s a relief to know they will have the Ronald McDonald House during this time.
“RMHCA has welcomed our entire family with open arms and a big smile. Each word of encouragement and warm meal received has made our journey easier. Each play date with volunteers and the toys given have brought Christian great joy! Volunteers and donors may not realize how large of an impact they are making, but the impact is tremendous!” Vanessa says.
If you are ready to help keep families together, please make your donation today or sign up to volunteer with RMHCA!
