04 May Sparkles & Strength
As a 12-year cancer survivor, I never thought that in a million years I would have to watch my 9-year-old daughter go through chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and a grueling daily medication schedule that includes medicines administered through an IV threaded directly into her jugular vein. In late 2019, this nightmare became our reality. My precocious, pink and sparkle loving little girl, Alicia was diagnosed with a low immunity system.
I’ll never forget the day when the doctors me told me that Alicia was so sick. She had already been through so much in her young life. Alicia has mild cerebral palsy and had to undergo procedures to straighten her legs, on-going extensive weekly physical therapy, and now this. Her strength amazes me. No matter what she goes through she bounces back. She laughs and plays. I, on the other hand, am so scared and worried that it leaves me feeling nauseous inside. Every morning I put on my brave face, but inside my heart is breaking.
We are from the small town of Brant about 30 miles from Buffalo. Since mid-November, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has been our home-away-from-home. Being away from my family has been really hard. I miss my husband, our 7-year old son James and 22-year old son Rhine. I never thought I would say this, but I miss our kids playing and arguing together. I miss being all together as a family. That’s not possible now. Mark covers the home front with James. After Alicia’s bone marrow transplant, and the possible risk of complications, she needs to remain near the hospital for several months to allow close monitoring, so Alicia and I stay in Buffalo close to the medical treatment she needs.
The House has become a great source of comfort. Especially during this very difficult and uncertain time. With the COVID-19 pandemic and Alicia’s vulnerability, I am so glad we’re here at the House and not out there. Even with the reduced staff inside the House we are so well taken care of. I feel well protected. Everything we need is here. The nurses from the VNA (Visiting Nurses Association) see Alicia at the House for her regular checkups. We don’t have to go out the door and we won’t!
We miss the wonderful volunteers that used to be here every day during our stay before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the staff and the other families staying here have become like family. We lean on each other, cry together, laugh together and comfort each other, now more than ever.
Somethings I never expected are the good memories and moments we share at the House, even today. The time we spend together in the playroom is magical. Watching Alicia play feels awesome. The worries of the outside world disappear. She becomes just a kid again. She laughs; she giggles. It’s incredible; she’s incredible! Alicia loves the giant bus. The first time she beeped the horn on the bus she scared the daylights out of me! She laughs and talks about it every time she drives the bus.
We get through each day knowing that the Ronald McDonald House is there for us. From breakfast to dinner provided every evening (pizza night and ham salad sandwiches are family favorites), our beautiful suite, refrigerator raids and even the laundry facilities, everything is provided for us.
My days are filled with ups and downs. I wish for the day when Alicia is better and we can safely return home. But since we must be away, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House is the place to be. On the outside the House is a beautiful mansion on West Ferry, but on the inside, it is a place of comfort, a home filled with warmth and hope. I don’t know what I would do without the Ronald McDonald House; every day I thank my lucky stars that I will never have to find out.
– Sharon Reynolds