Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass

 

A BIG birthday celebration!

Gianna recently celebrated a milestone first birthday and in lieu of gifts, her family chose to ask for “Wish List” items to help the Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room. 

Gianna was born with a rare condition called encephalocele where her skull did not close properly so part of her brain and cerebral spinal fluid was formed on the outside of her skull.  She had brain surgery at 4 days old and again at 3 weeks old to place a shunt in.  Her family and loved ones spent time in the Ronald McDonald Family Room during Gianna’s recovery in the NICU.  “We were so grateful to have the respite provided by the Family Room and their volunteers, and we met other parents around us that told us how the Ronald McDonald House was providing such a blessing to them, too” Gianna’s mom Amy said.

“Gianna is a true ‘people person’ and has continued to surprise us with her progress” Amy continued.  Since birth, Gianna has been receiving therapy to help her learn how to swallow, so eating her first birthday cake is an even sweeter accomplishment!  “She’s a little miracle, as I know ALL the children are whose families are being served by the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  We wanted to celebrate Gianna’s birthday in a special way that would help those other families too.”

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