Julia was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was only two years old. At the age of 13, doctors believed Julia was healthy enough to stop her medication. After stopping her medication, Julia went into cardiac arrest which left her entire body paralyzed. She came to stay at RMH while she was receiving daily intensive physical therapy to regain her strength. She was fully dependent on a wheelchair and needed assistance to get around.
One month into her stay, staff and volunteers noticed Julia starting to walk a few steps with assistance from her aunt. By the end of that week, she was greeting guests at the front door completely on her own and escorting volunteers and staff to their offices!
Her amazing transformation of regaining her mobility and her confidence, while always wearing a giant smile, was nothing short of miraculous. Although Julia can no longer participate in activities that she used to love, such as biking or playing tennis, she feels lucky to be able to walk. Julia says, “The memories I have made at RMH are something I’ll never forget. RMH is like my second home–the people are like my family.”
Every day, families face the challenge of having a child in the hospital, and your generosity helps Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts keep them together. Learn more about our programs and join our community of supporters.