I was stronger than the rest of the kids. There wasn't a kid in my class that could play soccer, ski down a mountain, or ride a bicycle the way that I did.

My little brother, Wilmer, looked up to me for being so strong. He would ask me to play ball, but I'd always let him win. He'd complain, saying I wasn't giving it my all.     I was stronger than the rhythm—when I'd play music and dance, I could move to any beat. Jump, slide, shake, and turn like a pro.     I was even stronger than my chores. I knew my Mom and Dad needed a little help, so I used my strength to give them a hand.     But when I got cancer, I was scared that I wasn't strong enough—that there was something out there that was bigger than me. In went medicine and tubes. Out came my hair. Away went some of my strength.     My Mom told me it would be okay though, because she and my whole family, including my Grandma and Grandpa, were staying at the Ronald McDonald House. She said they'd be right next to me while I went through all my treatments. She said I didn't have to be strong all by myself this time around.     I used to think it was luck that made me the strongest kid at school. But now I know the secret to my strength — my family. And thanks to the Ronald McDonald House, they're here, helping me get better. So I can be the strong, big brother that my little brother dreams of beating fair and square one day.

© 2011 McDonald's. The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald's Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald's, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, RMHC, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. Privacy | Unsubscribe