When a child needs urgent medical care, everything else fades away.
For one family, that moment came suddenly when their young son was transferred to Renown Children’s Hospital after being diagnosed with intussusception, a serious condition that required abdominal surgery. In the middle of fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion, they found something just as critical as medical care: a place to stay together.
For about a week, their family called Ronald McDonald House Northern Nevada home.
Mom and Dad stayed alongside their son, while their 18-month-old daughter and her aunt were also able to stay at the House. Before arriving, the family spent one night at a hotel and quickly realized how hard it was to be separated during such a stressful time. Being under one roof again made all the difference.
Close to Care, Close to Each Other
Mom, Carla, says that one of the greatest comforts was the House’s close proximity to Renown. “Being able to walk back and forth allowed us to stay informed, present, and connected to our son’s care plan without the added stress of long drives or logistics,” she says.
Inside the House, everyday needs were taken care of. Access to the kitchen, laundry, and play areas gave the family a sense of normalcy during an otherwise overwhelming week. These simple things eased their mental load and allowed them to focus on what mattered most: their child.
But what stood out above all else were the people.
“The absolute best part was the warmth and kindness of the staff,” Carla shares. “Everyone we encountered was compassionate, informative, and genuinely helpful.”
Supporting Healing Through Presence
Hospital stays are exhausting for everyone involved. For this family, being able to stay close meant they could easily switch off caregiving duties, remain rested, and maintain a calm, steady presence at their son’s bedside.
That presence mattered.
Being together reduced their son’s stress and helped him rest and heal more easily. “The ability to be present and switch off duties easily allowed us to maintain a constant, calming presence for our son,” Carla shares. “This reduced our son’s stress and allowed him to more easily rest and heal.”
She adds that being so closely involved meant they were always in sync with his condition, allowing them to advocate for him clearly and ensure the medical team had a comprehensive understanding of his symptoms and needs.
Having their daughter and her aunt safely cared for at the House also brought immense peace of mind. With everything they needed at hand and staff nearby, the parents had no worries about their little one while they focused on their son in the hospital.
A True Gift in a Time of Need
“The Ronald McDonald House is a true gift to families in need,” Carla says. “The staff are angels.”
They shared special gratitude for Karen and Adella, whose empathy, attentiveness, and willingness to listen meant the world during an incredibly difficult week.
Knowing the House is there — for their family and for others facing similar moments — lifted an enormous weight.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
