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2 Sisters, 1 Beacon of Hope

Crystal Bell went into premature labor with her twins and they were born weighing about one pound each.

As if having premature twins wasn’t stressful enough, three weeks later, Ky’Briegh developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a severe and life-threatening intestinal disease, and Kai’Liegh needed heart surgery, requiring both to go to Dallas for hospitalization. Crystal was scared and alone in an unfamiliar city far away from her hometown in Louisiana.

Crystal’s saving grace was the Ronald McDonald House – a place of respite and refuge; hope and support when the doctors told her that her twins only had 24 hours to live. The twins and Crystal survived, in part, because of the staff, volunteers and other families at the Dallas Ronald McDonald House who opened their doors and offered Crystal a place to rest, a compassionate hug when she returned from the hospital, an ear to listen to her worries, and comforting words to help guide her through the darkest days.

Crystal stayed at the House for a total of nine months. She met families from all walks of life, all gathering under the same roof so they could be close by their children who were facing a variety of medical crises. Knowing that others were going through similar trials made Crystal’s situation less scary, helping her give her twins the support they needed to recover.

At the top of the Dallas Ronald McDonald House is a beacon of light which can be seen from the hospital. For children it's an easy way to identify exactly where their parents are staying. For Crystal though, the beacon wasn't just an identifier, it was a light of hope. "The House helped my twins’ recovery because I was able to be there with them to give them strength when they were fighting for their lives," said Crystal. "The House was a complete blessing.”

In 2010 Kai’Liegh, Ky’Briegh and Crystal reunited at the Ronald McDonald House and celebrated their second birthday with some of the other families and friends they met during their stay. Their testament of survival became a beacon of hope for others families that day as they celebrated the health and happiness of two special sisters.

Comments (8)|(Hide)

  • makeup

    14/11/2012 10:17am

    I'm glad that i found rmhc.org
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  • Morgan Paige

    17/05/2012 2:24pm

    What a touching story it makes me just want to cry.

  • Kirsten

    08/04/2011 12:26pm

    this was a very touching story.

  • christina

    14/03/2011 7:34pm

    qwwswwedeeffreettfff

  • EvexEstibecex

    23/02/2011 3:42pm

    hi, new to the site, thanks.

  • gaby

    01/02/2011 11:51am

    this house has helped me learn to appreciate the smallest things in life and not to be so selfish! thank you for all of your contributors who help out!

  • cinthia

    29/01/2011 12:42pm

    i just went to the house of charities in north hollywood and i learned how to appreciate life even more..
    seeing all those kids just broke my heart and im trying to give back to them my time and volunteer..
    i will help..

  • Jose

    13/01/2011 5:44pm

    I remember staying a Ronald McDonald house for 2 weeks in springfield when I was 11. I just couldn't believe it, 20 different families with 20 different situations under the same roof. The place is so cozy, well mantained and full of love and unity, I'm now 17 and I know for a fact that I'll never forget the experience

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