02 Jun “I Feel Safe Here”
April Bailey and her nine year old son Manuel have frequented the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware since Manuel was three months old. Manuel has a form of dwarfism known as diastrophic dysplasia which affects cartilage and bone development. Over the years Manuel has received over 27 surgeries at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, and mom April says that the family usually stays at the House at least 3-4 times a year. The family lives in New Hampshire, which is a seven and a half hour drive each way. “This is our home away from home” says April.
“The Ronald McDonald House is always helping us, whether it is with transportation, food, or just having a quiet place to take a nap.” The hospital can be a very stressful place, April even says “being in the hospital will drive you crazy” which is another reason she is so grateful to have a place right across the street to go to.
Manuel also has two older siblings who enjoy staying at the House as well. “They love all the activities there are to do at the House, and their favorite part is going to the treasure chest to pick out a toy”.
April says that Manuel has made so many great friends through staying at the Ronald McDonald House, and that “seeing kids who are exactly the same as him makes him happy”. She says “besides him not having this condition, I couldn’t ask for anything better”. The family will be returning in July, just shy of his 10th birthday, for further surgeries and appointments.