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Never Alone

Our daughter Elsie was born with a disease called Goldenhar Syndrome. She has had to fight for her life each day for the past nine years.

 

> Watch Elsie's video

Born without her left lung, eye, ear, jaw joint and missing bones throughout her face, our precious Elsie has fought through 29 reparative surgeries, the pain that went with the recovery and the feeling of being different.

Throughout it all, what comforts us as parents most is that she never had to fight alone, and neither did we. Our family, complete with Elsie's six brothers and sisters, has sought refuge within the walls of a Ronald McDonald House.

We appreciate the little things the House provides. It's a place where Elsie and her brothers and sisters can joke, laugh and simply be at "home." It's a place where we can take comfort in the words of other families suffering through unimaginable heartache as their children receive treatment. It's a place where we can offer comfort to others as we have been through similar ups and downs.

There are hundreds of small ways the Ronald McDonald House and its staff and volunteers have made this journey less lonely and difficult. Sometimes it only takes one small gesture - a smile or the smell of dinner being cooked in the big family kitchen - to help us get through after a hard day at the hospital.

Perhaps most important, it is a place where Elsie feels normal; where she can play outside on the playground ... where she can avoid stares of strangers ... where she can enjoy a meal with her family.

We never take these small things for granted. And, we thank you for helping to make sure that Elsie and our family did not have to fight this fight alone.

Sincerely,

Mary and Steve Corbett

We appreciate the little things the House provides. It's a place where Elsie and her brothers and sisters can joke, laugh and simply be at "home."

 


Comments (9)|(Hide)

  • Tammy Slater

    18/11/2010 9:16am

    Elsie you are very beautiful.. And your family is amazing. This story reminds me of why I work where I do.. I work with the mentally and physically handicap.. I love my job... God bless to you and your family..

  • Danielle FInk

    10/11/2010 11:59am

    Blessing and love to your entire family as you walk through each unknowing day.

  • Marci

    07/11/2010 12:57am

    She is beautiful! and amazing! :) you must be so proud!:)

  • Kathleen Capuano

    04/11/2010 8:11pm

    Thanks for sharing your story...I work for pediatric craniofacial surgeons and see first hand everyday the struggles families go through. It's nice to hear the Ronald McDonald house has given you comfort. Your daughter is beautiful.

  • Tammy Wilson

    04/11/2010 3:34pm

    Awesome Story!

    My daughter also is a craniofacial patient, and also has 6 other brothers and sisters...so it really hits close to home. Thanks for sharing, we really do not know what we would do without the Ronald McDonald house

  • RACHELE MARSHALL-BROOKS

    28/10/2010 11:52am

    THANK YOU.ALTHOUGH MY FAMILY AND I CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND WHAT U HAVE BEEN THROUGH THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY. WE ARE GOING THROUGH SO MUCH.

    PRAYERS R WITH U,

    THE MARSHALL-BROOKS FAMILY

  • Caitlin Roland

    05/10/2010 10:42pm

    Such a beautiful girl. This reminds me exactly why I want to be a pediatric nurse...that gorgeous smile. Good luck and God bless.
    Love, Caitlin

  • Dawn Gould Brooks

    20/08/2010 11:56pm

    Steve, Mary, Elsie, and family, Thank you for sharing your story with so many. And thank you to RMHC for the comfort and peace you offer to so many families. God bless.
    Dawn and Ron

  • Jeff & Tracey Gould

    20/08/2010 5:58pm

    Thank you to RMHC for all you do. You have some wonderful people is this clip!
    Love to all of you Mary and Steve,
    Jeff & Tracey

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