The House
04.30.12
Taking it One Day at a Time
You can’t tell just by looking at her, but Lila Ruiz battles a rare condition, megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, that limits the function of her bladder, kidneys, and intestines. The toddler is one of 15 to 25 people living with this condition in the United States. She requires daily medical treatments and receives most of her care out of state. There is no cure and she will need constant medical care for the rest of her life.
“After being asked so many times how we stay positive despite everything Lila is going through, we’ve come up with 'we take it one day at a time' as our reply. Focusing on anything other than a positive outcome is exhausting and stressful . . . it is wasted energy. We know there is no cure for Lila’s disease, and the surgeries she has had and will have in future won’t 'fix' her. But we try to remember that each day is another handful of memories that we get to share with our girls together as a family,” Lila’s mother, Maghann, tells us.
The Ruiz family during the 2011 RMHD Halloween party hosted by Southwest Airlines.
So far this year, the Ruiz family has spent only a few weeks at home. In 2011, Lila was either an in-patient or recovering in Dallas or Cincinnati 9 out of 12 months of the year. And for the last 2 years, the Ruiz family has celebrated every major holiday away from home. So far in her three short years of life, Lila has received more than 30 surgeries. With that kind of schedule you can imagine how they love it when they can be home together as a family.
“We are forever grateful for the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and become part of this amazing family. Lila has been able to get the healthcare she needs because of the RMHD. This has become her 'Healing Place.' She and her sister run around and play like crazy and don’t have a care in the world. This House has allowed us to give them that, and that means everything,” said Maghann.
Check out photos of Lila during one of her recent visits to the RMHD.
Cards, drawings, and letters from friends and family decorate the Ruiz family's room during their stay.
Keep up with Lila’s progress by following Angels for Lila Ruiz on Facebook and their blog StayStrongLila.