Testimonials

Lexi's Story

100 Miles Away From Home but Never Alone

 

In February 2010, 10-year-old Alexis Marie, called Lexi by her friends, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  After the diagnosis, Lexi spent a month as a patient at Sacred Heart Medical Center and when released found refuge with her family at the Ronald McDonald House of Spokane while undergoing three months of life-saving chemotherapy. 

 

After the diagnosis, Adriana, Lexi’s mother, moved to Spokane to be by her side. Lexi’s Dad Brian had to continue to work to support the family of four, while younger sister Ali continued with preschool. They didn’t have a place to sleep and were sickened with worry.

 

But the family’s situation changed when they arrived at the Ronald McDonald House. Lexi’s parents found much more than a place to rest, they found a place where they could find strength as a family; they could be together. Listening to Lexi’s stories about training her pet therapy dog Sammy and her new girlfriends at the House who played dress up while sitting together in the kitchen at the House, the family’s strength was renewed.

 

“Alexis and I felt so welcome and safe while staying there. Our favorite memories of the House were the bonds I saw forming between Lexi and the other children battling cancer. My daughter showed so much compassion for all the other children, especially the younger kids,” said Adriana.

 

Adriana also realized that through it all she was not alone; she was supported, cared for, and encouraged by other mothers who were experiencing the same anxieties as she. For Lexi her home was 100 miles away, but she never felt alone. Lexi knew she wasn't alone fighting cancer; she had the support of a huge new family, the Ronald McDonald House family.

 

“We are forever grateful to the House. When a child is ill, it is the entire family who battles the disease. Lexi never felt alone in her battle. She knew that her battle was our battle. We fought together and we won,” said Adriana. Today, Lexi is 11 years old and has been diagnosed cancer-free.

  

Adriana Lopez