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When Helen and Terry Smith first brought their three-year-old son, Landon, to Dallas for diagnosis at Children's Medical Center in 1995, they had no idea what they would find. While doctors discovered the cause of Landon's kidney problems, the Smiths discovered the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. For ten years the House has served Landon and his parents while they are in Dallas for treatment. The Smiths have spent many nights in the House and have celebrated numerous birthdays and holidays with the RMHD family. Ironically, Landon has not been the only patient in the Smith family. In 2001, Landon received a kidney transplant from an unlikely donor- his adopted father, Terry. Because the family was staying at the Ronald McDonald House, Helen was able to care for Landon at the hospital while her husband received meals and hospital transportation from the House volunteers. His disease now in remission, Landon and his family
still travel to Dallas for monthly appointments, but now the drive is
a bit more comfortable — they know the Ronald McDonald House will be there when they arrive. A Common Bond Dylan Sepulvado's home is in Louisiana, but he is no stranger to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Ten-year-old Dylan has undergone 12 heart surgeries. Dylan and his mother Juanita have often stayed at the RMHD. Today Juanita wears a beeper, which she hopes will soon alert them that they have exactly two hours to get to Children's Medical Center for the heart transplant that Dylan needs. Yet few who meet Dylan for the first time would suspect that his health is so fragile. While he is somewhat small for his age and his lips are a deep purple color, this obviously bright and mischievous boy is clearly no invalid. Dylan's
outgoing and friendly personality, have managed to win him numerous friends
at the RMHD. One of those friends is 13-year-old Amaudujuan Scott. Read
more The Path of Service Neil Paddon grew up in a family that valued humanity, humility, integrity, and excellence. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Neil's parents always stressed volunteering and giving back to the community. Neil's wife, Pam, began volunteering at the Ronald Mc Donald House through the Dallas Junior League. Neil was so moved by Pam's stories that he had to get involved. Volunteering on Thursdays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Neil found himself doing a little bit of everything around the House. He often interacted with the families, drove the van, occasionally unstopped a clogged sink, and even changed light bulbs. Little did Neil know that by the simple act of volunteering, he would meet a man that would change him forever. Read more |
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