I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was
nine years old. My parents were told I’d be lucky to live two
years. That was more than 30 years ago.
Now I’m a husband and have children of my own. And I donate
both my time and money to support Ronald McDonald House
Charities
In 1976, my diagnosis was usually a death sentence. Fortunately
my doctor, Stuart Siegel, was a world-renowned pediatric
oncologist. He’s also a long-time member of the RMHC Board of
Trustees. I received an experimental treatment and had to live
in a sterile plastic bubble for three months. Sometimes I was so
sick, I wanted to give up. Having my parents with me is what
got me through.
Soon after I finished chemo, the first Ronald McDonald House
in Los Angeles opened—the third in what is now a worldwide
network. My mom and I stayed there whenever I went for
check-ups. It was comfortable, affordable and convenient.
Volunteers provided home-cooked meals every evening,
brought activities for guests, or just offered a listening ear
over a soda or cup of coffee. Mom and I could talk with other
kids and parents going through the same thing.
Until I became a parent myself, I didn’t understand what
parents of sick children go through. As you read this, families
around the world are frightened, exhausted and coping with
unimaginable crisis: the critical illness of their precious child.
For my family and for others like us, Ronald McDonald House
Charities offers comfort and hope.
Won’t you join me in giving back?
