Arianna Turnage

For Dionne and Duane Turnage of Youngstown, Ohio, Ronald McDonald House is not only a “home away from home,” but also, according to Duane, “a life-changing community of support.” The Turnages are truly grateful that Ronald McDonald House was here for them during their fight to save their beautiful little Arianna.

Their journey began when Dionne went into labor with Arianna. Lymphatic tissue was blocking Arianna’s airway and, unless supported by Dionne through the umbilical cord, Arianna would not be able to breathe on her own. With contractions under way but well managed, Dionne and Duane were then transported by Life Flight from Akron Children’s to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

At Cincinnati Children’s, a team of medical specialists performed a C-section and with mother and child still connected by the umbilical cord, surgically opened Arianna’s airway so she would be able to breathe on her own. But Arianna would need continued medical care. And, Dionne and Duane would need a place to call “home” while they stayed close by her side.

Because of the emergency situation under which the couple had arrived in Cincinnati, Duane explains, “I had arrived with nothing but the clothes on my back. Grandma had picked up our son, Jordan, and a friend was taking care of the dog. I didn’t know which end was up.” But thanks to Ronald McDonald House, Duane says, “I had home-cooked meals to return to and the support of volunteers and other families with sick children.” And, of course, having a quiet, comfortable room of there own in which to rest allowed Dionne and Duane to better care for Arianna. For 37 days, as Arianna continued her life-saving medical treatment, Ronald McDonald House provided support and encouragement for Dionne and Duane.

As Arianna approached six months, the couple returned to Cincinnati and to Ronald McDonald House so that Arianna could have yet another life-saving medical treatment. This time, surgeons were able to completely remove all of the lymphatic tissue that had once blocked Arianna’s airway. Once again, this time for ten days, Ronald McDonald House was “home away from home.” The joy was shared throughout the House when Arianna was released from the hospital and arrived at Ronald McDonald House. She was all smiles and dimples.

Just looking at this beautiful six-month-old baby girl, no one would ever guess what a fighter she is or how much she has endured. Today, Dionne, Duane three-year-old Jordan and Baby Arianna are a happy, healthy family of four. “We were blessed,” says Duane. “Ronald McDonald House has given us so much. I am truly humbled.”

The support Ronald McDonald House provides to hundreds of families each year – families just like the Turnages – would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations. To offer your support, click here.