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Our Families
A letter from the Wheaton Family After several years of experiencing chronic pain, our 15-year-old daughter was diagnosed with syringomyelia (fluid in the spinal column), due to a birth defect known as a Chiari Malformation. Heather's pediatric neurosurgeon recommended surgery which would make room for the fluid to travel around the spinal column instead of drilling through it. Like any surgery it was risky, but we were especially nervous about it because it would occur close to the brain. We had been traveling back and forth for consults and tests from both Swan's Island and Mt. Desert Island, a four hour drive. When it came time for the actual hospitalization we were so relieved to have a place to stay that was close to the hospital. We were reminded of what a small world it is when we realized that the House manager was an old friend of ours with whom we had lost touch. Heather's surgery was successful. Her syrinx (cavity in spinal column) decreased in size and the collection of fluid is gone. However, after the surgery she was in severe pain. During the days following her operation my husband and I spent most of the time trying to make her comfortable. When late evening came we entrusted her to the nursing staff and felt able to retire to the Ronald McDonald House. There, we were able to eat a meal left by volunteers, unwind and talk with other families who were experiencing similar challenges, and get some much-needed sleep. Staff and guests were friendly and available, yet no one invaded our privacy. When it was time for us to leave, I wanted to find some way to thank everyone for providing care to families in need of nurturing during a difficult time. I'm a quilter although my recent return to full-time teaching cuts in on my quilting time. I read that the Ronald McDonald House welcomes donations of small baby quilts which they give to babies upon their return home. I prefer to hand quilt my work. I may have trouble completing a full size quilt, but I certainly should be able to complete at least one small baby quilt each school year. The first one I've finished is a blue and yellow star quilt. Each small quilting stitch represents the love and compassion I feel for the baby and his or her family and it's my hope that the gift will help to heal them. Although Heather's surgery was a success in that it arrested the process, her nerves may have been permanently damaged. She continues to experience pain and remains under a doctor's care. She's learning to cope at a young age. I'm sure we will all learn many lessons from this experience. I'm pleased that I've been given the opportunity to participate in some small way with what goes on at the Ronald McDonald House. Click here to follow the pathway to giving and find the many ways you can support the House that Love Built®. |
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