When Connor’s family arrived at the Ronald McDonald House, they had already endured unimaginable challenges. For months, 12-year-old Connor had suffered from unexplained headaches and nausea. After numerous doctor visits and no clear answers, his mother insisted on more tests—and, on February 29, 2024, leap day, their lives changed forever. A scan revealed a mass—what they initially thought was a buildup of fluid pressure behind Connor’s brainstem. Within hours, they were on an airlift from Southeastern Washington to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The diagnosis: medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Over the next several months, Connor faced two intense surgeries, proton radiation, and chemotherapy, battling not just the tumor but the overwhelming side effects that came with it. Throughout it all, Connor showed remarkable strength, even comforting nurses and doctors, despite his own pain and fear.
But the fight wasn’t just Connor’s. His family faced their own struggles—financial worries, separation from loved ones, and the emotional toll of watching their child endure so much. That’s where Ronald McDonald House became their lifeline.
“When we first walked through the doors, it was like a weight lifted off our shoulders,” Jim, Connor’s dad, shared. “We didn’t have to worry about where we’d sleep or how we’d afford to stay near the hospital. The House gave us a place to call our own in the middle of chaos.”
At first, he notes that it was the basics—hot meals, a comfortable room, and a place to rest. But as the days turned into weeks, the House offered Connor and Jim something even more valuable: community.
“The staff here don’t just keep things running; they get to know you. They ask how you’re doing, share a laugh, and make you feel like you belong,” Jim said. “We’ve also built connections with other families. There’s a sense of shared understanding that’s incredibly comforting.”
Connor, too, found moments of joy amid the challenges. Whether it was playing pinball in the game room or bonding with his older brother over video games during nightly video calls, these small moments made a big difference. “I’ve missed my friends and my bed back home,” Connor admitted, “but it’s been nice having fun things to do here.”
“I dare say he’s handled it better than either of his parents,” says Jim. “And his big brother, Lane, has also been amazing throughout all of this – despite starting his first year of high-school with his dad on other side of the state.”
Connor and his dad, Jim, spent 10 months at the Seattle House in 2024.
Without the Ronald McDonald House, the family isn’t sure how they would have managed. Staying in hotels long-term would have been financially crippling, and relying on relatives for months could have strained relationships. “This place saved us from those burdens,” Jim explained. “It allowed us to focus on what mattered most—Connor’s care.”
Now, with the end of Connor’s treatment behind them, the family reflects on their journey here with gratitude. “This House is more than a building. It’s hope,” Jim said. “It’s proof that even in the darkest times, people care.”
The Ronald McDonald House provides families like Connor’s with more than just a place to stay—it offers relief, community, and the strength to keep going. But this incredible resource relies on donations from people like you.
“Giving to the House isn’t just about keeping the lights on,” Jim shared. “It’s about giving families like ours a chance to breathe, to heal, and to hope.”
By supporting the Ronald McDonald House, you ensure that no family faces their child’s medical crisis alone. Your generosity makes all the difference. Donate today and be a part of the love, comfort, and community that changes lives—just like it did for Connor and his family.
