12 Feb ‘It’s the Simple Things”

The Tiffany family from Pennsylvania has been coming to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware for nearly 5 years. Nicholas, age 12, suffered severe brain trauma when he was in a car accident at 18 months old. They decided to travel four hours to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children for further treatment after three surgeries had gone wrong, increasing swelling of the brain and causing additional damage. Since then, Nick has undergone fifteen surgeries. Although Nick has had a tough childhood, his sister, Ally, has always been there as his best buddy. Ally, 17 years old, adores her younger brother. She loves taking care of him, spending free time with him, and assisting with all his treatments. With her mother being visually impaired and father working nights, Ally has played a key role in Nick’s life.

Ally has stayed here at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware with her brother. Ally cannot say enough positive things about the House. She says they honestly don’t know what they would do without it. When they come to Delaware for Nick’s appointments and surgeries, she said the House gives them a chance to break away from the hospital, and gives them a safe and warm environment. With Ally in her senior year as well as holding a job, she claims the House has saved them financially. Whenever they come back, Ally says that they are always greeted with smiling faces and open arms. “It’s the simple things,” she believes. With the staff and volunteers always offering help and talking to the family, it creates a very friendly environment.

Since the House is held so near and dear to her family’s heart, Ally became motivated to give back. As a result, Ally ran in the Ronald McDonald House Charity full marathon that took place in Chicago on October 12th. Her personal goal was to raise $2,000. She raised $2,205. Her hope is to give back to the community the way this community has helped them. “It really is an incredible place.” With inspiration stemming from Nick, Ally plans to go on become a pediatric neurosurgeon. The House has made such a positive impact on Nicholas’ life and the rest of the family’s as well.