25 Aug Much More than a Place to Stay

Photo taken in 2007 during one of  Pablo’s stays at the House.

Pablo’s family traveled from Chile and found a new home.

The Lasso Degand family believes the Ronald McDonald House is much more than just a place to stay.

Pablo was born with Morquio Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. As he grew, walking  became increasingly more difficult as his deformities progressed rapidly.

Pablo’s family began their search in their home country of Chile, but could not find a doctor with enough experience to perform the needed surgery. Ultimately, they ended up in the United States where they found Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, which had the best treatment options for Pablo.

The Hospital pointed the family to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.

“We have been able to meet other families going through hard times… We felt so good to find out that is also a place where you can share your sorrow, your concerns, your hopes for your children with other people that understand exactly what you have been through. The most incredible thing is that it does not matter what language you speak, what culture you are from or what religions you have, all of us are parents looking for the best for our children and at the end we had become friends.”

The House offered love, caring people, friendships and a sense of home. “We are so thankful to every person in this house for transforming this hard experience into a very nice experience. The staff is aware that when a child is happy; mind, soul and body benefits from that and what RMH provides is much more than a place to stay, it is also happiness and love.”

This photo was taken in 2007. Pablo’s family recently moved to Delaware permanently, to be close to medical care.  Pablo graduated from high school this year.