Testimonials

The Stebbins Family
KARMYN'S STORY

Strength, courage and hope are at the foundation of the Stebbins family of Montana.  They called the Ronald McDonald House of Spokane their home for many weeks. 

Still overjoyed with the news that Tiffany Stebbins was pregnant with their second child, she and her husband Earl received the heartbreaking news that their 2 1/2 year old daughter, Karmyn, had been diagnosed with leukemia.  Since Karmyn’s diagnosis, they have faced incredible stresses and challenges, but the Ronald McDonald House of Spokane has been a true gift to their family during this difficult time.  “The Ronald McDonald House has done wonders for us,” Tiffany said with a big smile.  “The staff becomes your second family.”

After coming down with the flu and an ear infection that would not go away, Tiffany brought Karmyn to their local doctor in Missoula, Montana.  Once the blood tests were completed, Tiffany received a call from their doctor.  He stayed after hours until the family arrived and broke the news that Karmyn might have leukemia or lymphoma.  Karmyn would fly to Spokane that night.  “It was a very rough night,” Tiffany explains.

Once they arrived in Spokane, Karmyn was sent to the oncology department at the Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.  Doctors performed a bone marrow biopsy.  After receiving the results, Dr. Felgenhauer met with Tiffany and broke the news that Karmyn had leukemia.  “Dr. Felgenhauer was very helpful,” Tiffany said.  “But the first week felt like it went on forever.”  Dr. Felgenhauer sat with the parents, explained the process, and read through all the materials and information regarding Karmyn’s Leukemia.  “It’s just hard to read through everything,” Tiffany said.  “That’s when it really hits you.  The worst part about cancer is whether you want your child to live or be on medicine with horrible side effects that can affect them for their whole life.”

Four days after the heartbreaking news, Karmyn started chemotherapy and had to be in the hospital for three weeks.  “It was hard having to explain everything that was happening to a three year old,” Tiffany said.  “But she adapted and dealt with the situation very well,” Tiffany said.  “She even began to stick her finger out for the nurses when they came in without being asked.”  The first month of chemotherapy was the hardest for the family.  Karmyn had weak bones and her stomach would swell up so much she couldn’t even sit up at night.

After three long weeks of treatment, Karmyn was finally released from the hospital and she and Tiffany came to the Ronald McDonald House.  She said it truly is a home away from home.  Tiffany and her family became close with many of the other families.  They appreciated having someone to talk to who knew what they are going through.  Tiffany recalls coming back to the house and wondering if the other families were back yet.

After a two month stay at the Ronald McDonald House, Tiffany and Karmyn were able to go home.  However, they had to return to Spokane and the Ronald McDonald House for the last cycle of Karmyn’s treatment.  This time they had time to pack and plan what they would need, especially for the baby they were expecting.

On May 4th, Dale was born.  Dale is a blessing to the family.  They even enjoyed a baby shower at the RMH.  “He takes a little bit off Karmyn’s mind,” Tiffany explained.  “She definitely loves him and is a really good big sister.”  She is very protective too.  When Dale starts to cry, Karmyn looks around to see what is going on.

Karmyn is currently in remission and at home with mom, dad and brother.  She will have to return to Spokane once a month for about two years for chemotherapy and other procedures.

Tiffany wanted to thank all of the staff at the Ronald McDonald House and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.  “There are not enough words to thank them,” she said.

Hope Collins, RMHC Spokane Intern