Rocky's Story

Rocky's Story


Half a world away from Durham, N.C., a young family in Australia faced the news that their five-week old son, Rocky, needed a thymus transplant. He was diagnosed with Complete Digeorge Syndrome (little or no immune system), and the doctors told Rocky's mom and dad that the only place in the world this transplant could be done was at the Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, N.C.

Many months, several long flights and a thymus transplant surgery later, little Rocky is now two years old and is doing very well. His parents, Brett and Amanda, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Durham to be very close to Rocky to oversee his care and consultation. Brett said that the House corps of staff, volunteers and regular gifts of food, visits and support have been a tremendous gift to their family.

"It is such a relief to come home to the House to be with people who understand what we are going through," Brett said. "It's so good to have people who care, especially since we have no family here."

For families like the Hohns, having a place like the Ronald McDonald House can help them feel like a normal family again. More than just a place to sleep, the little things such as smells of laundry drying and dinner baking, the sounds of people talking and the feelings of security, warmth and love truly help transform stressful times in families' lives into one that is at least a bit more manageable.

 "It's more than just a home," Brett said. "It's like a sanctuary. The community of people living among one another and sharing the concerns and joys of this time in their lives has meant so much to our family."