After six chemo treatments, CJ’s tumor did not shrink. In fact, it grew in size. Here is her incredible journey, shared by her mom:

Memorial weekend 2024, CJ was diagnosed with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. She had a 13cm cancerous tumor. In August, after six rounds of chemo, the scans showed that the tumor had grown instead of shrank. With this news, our team in Dayton reached out to the liver team in Cincinnati to get CJ listed for a full liver transplant.

It wasn’t until November that CJ underwent an 11-hour surgery for the organ transplant. While in Cincinnati for 9.5 weeks with complications and recovery, we were able to utilize and navigate our new normalcy because of Ronald McDonald House. It helped relieve the financial strain that we experienced with her diagnosis. We were able to focus on her getting better. 

Being able to stay at the House was so helpful! We loved that there were a couple of hot meals daily that we could enjoy, and that also took away the burden of cooking and provided us with nourishment when we had days that were long and hard. It helped us stay close like a family and it made recovery easier.

We had a nice, clean room to use. It was very helpful having a laundry room on site because being clean is very important in recovery. The laundry room also items provided that were very helpful. I personally liked the gym, which gave me strength and courage mentally when I felt defeated. All our concerns or questions were always handled in a professional and loving manner. 

Without Cincinnati Ronald McDonalds House our family would have lost many hours with our sick child. They made it possible for us to be with her and watch her closely on our journey to release. We would have lost many hours travelling to and from home. They helped encourage us in our journey and our family will never be able to describe how grateful we are. The kindness of complete strangers helped us stand when we thought we had the heaviest shoulders. 

Thank you for being there for our family. Our stay there was positive and so much more than we ever imagined. Fortunately, CJ has been released to go home, but we know if things arise with recovery, we have a safe and reliable home with RMH Cincinnati.