05 Oct What Tomorrow Will Bring

I was far from my friends and family. I was devastated for my sister, over-whelmed and all alone. During my 4-month stay, through all the ups and downs, I found the warmth and support I needed from my Buffalo Ronald McDonald House family.

My name is Lucy Michalovicova. I am a beach volleyball player and coach from Sydney, Australia. I love the outdoors, the beach, volleyball and my family and friends. I had recently returned from a Spring visit with my sister Monika who was studying and playing volleyball at UB. We had an amazing time which included a side trip to New York City! My life was full of friends and family. That all changed one day in August with one phone call.

My sister, Monika, contracted a streptococcal bacterial infection. Her condition was getting worse. She turned septic and was experiencing multiple organ failure. To increase her chances of survival and long-term recovery, my baby sister Monika had both her lower legs amputated.

Still in a state of shock, I travelled to Buffalo to be with her as she recovered from the illness and subsequent amputations. Every day I walked to the Buffalo General Medical Center to sit by my sister’s side and every night I returned to the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House (House). Staying at the House was exactly what needed. It felt like home. There was so much love and support. There was always someone to talk to and share my feelings with. Many times, it was the highlight of my day.

In December we found out that Monika was being discharged to continue her treatment and therapy on an outpatient basis. It was the best gift for the holiday season! Monika had been fitted with prosthetic limbs and was learning how to walk again. I was so excited about the possibility of having Monika join me at the House. Being at the House helped me so much, I felt that it would be the perfect place of support to help Monika transition to life outside of the hospital.

The staff at the House tried to make it possible. We worked together with the hospital, the therapists and my sister but unfortunately, it was determined that the House was not accessible and therefore unsafe for my sister.

Leaving the House was very emotional and sad for me. The House was like home. I loved the talks in the kitchen, sitting at my favorite table and I wished for the same thing for Monika. I was my sister’s support and my Buffalo Ronald McDonald House family was mine.

Monika and I visited the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House before we returned home to Slovakia. Although the front stairs kept my sister from entering the house, we were all able to enjoy the beautiful grounds. I will always remember my stay at the House where I was surrounded by the love and support of the staff, volunteers and other guest families. I don’t know what I would have done without the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House. It is an amazing place.