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My Family Became the Story

October 27th, 2017
Filed Under: Foundation

In her own words, Quinn Moran – Pi Chapter, Iowa State University shares her personal experience with Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Almost 16 years ago, my family’s life was changed forever, and in ways that my family never expected. I don’t think you ever expect it to be you; your family who is in that scary situation, or in trouble, or in distress. You see the stories on the news, on Facebook, but you never think that you’ll become the story. 16 years ago my family became the story, but fortunately enough, 16 years ago my family became the recipients of a miracle.

my Family!My family is a tight knit group; I have my parents, Mike and Anne Marie, my brother, Regan, and our dog, Dewey. We love to be together, and spend a lot of time together, simply because we enjoy one another. 16 years ago this family dynamic was almost taken from us when my younger brother, Regan, took our family on a journey that we never expected, but one that made us stronger.

regan and meOn November 2, 2001, Regan’s first birthday, Regan was not feeling the best. He continually was pulling on his ear, and was taken to a walk-in clinic and treated for an ear infection, a standard ailment. Over the next few days, he became more ill, developing a double ear infection. This seemed like nothing to be concerned about, but things took an unexpected turn. Regan deteriorated rather quickly, and began having seizures in our home. Regan was treated at our local hospital, where it was determined that he may have contracted meningitis. Regan slipped into a coma and was rushed via helicopter to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital for treatment, where it was determined he had encephalitis, a disease that impacts the brain. Regan’s diagnosis was grim, and things did not look promising. The likelihood that Regan would survive this illness was slim, and if he did survive, he would face many challenges in his future.

The Ronald McDonald House served as a support system during this uncertain time in my family’s life, and impacted my family in countless ways. To have individuals and an organization that supported my family in the darkest time of our life, and a support system of hope and encouragement is a gift I never would have expected we would need, but one I would not trade for the world.

regan and meRegan fought even when he didn’t know he had to, and beat the odds, becoming our family’s miracle. Regan is now a healthy and happy 16-year-old with no side effects from this disease. He plays on the golf and bowling teams, is active within clubs at school, and has a wonderful group of friends. Regan serves as a daily reminder to me that life is a gift, and that the only way to live is to love others completely and unconditionally.

Alpha Delta Pi came into my life 3 years ago, and immediately stole my heart. When I discovered that our philanthropy is Ronald McDonald House Charities, I knew I was in the right place. The women of Alpha Delta Pi give completely of themselves to all they do, and support Ronald McDonald House Charities in any way they can. Whether it is through fundraising endeavors, making meals, or cleaning the facilities, the women of Alpha Delta Pi are dedicated to supporting the house that love built. Serving others is at the forefront of the hearts of every Alpha Delta Pi, and to have the opportunity to serve the organization that changed my life, the Ronald McDonald House, alongside the women who changed my life; well that’s more than I could have ever asked for or imagined.

You never think it will be you, and you never know when you may need a helping hand or shoulder to cry on. My family’s story has a happy ending, and I am so grateful for that, because not everyone is as fortunate as we are.

QuinnRMHCTo the women of this sisterhood who serve the Ronald McDonald House: thank you. Thank you for giving of yourself, giving your monetary support as well as your time, and thank you for believing in something bigger than yourself.  I constantly see ways that our open motto, we live for each other, is exhibited, and through our service and partnership with this organization, I know our motto is more than a motto, but a way of life.

16 years ago I was 5 years old and uncertain of what was going to happen to the one person I loved the most, my little brother. 16 years ago an organization stepped in and supported my family in our time of distress, and at that time, our sisterhood was supporting me before I even knew what a sisterhood was. At the end of the day, all I can say is thank you for giving wholeheartedly of yourself to this organization. My life has been changed because of you all.

– Quinn Moran, Chapter President of Pi Chapter – Iowa State University



Comments:

  1. Dawn Victor-Herring says:

    Another great blog post!! Love!!!

    Sent from my iPhone

  2. Maisch says:

    Quinn, Thanks for sharing this inspiring story about your brother and how the RMH has impacted your family!!

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