A mother’s prayer for acceptance leads to a home full of kindness at RMHC Dayton.

When Angela learned that her son was born with facial microsomia and Pierre Robin syndrome, a condition that left him with an absent jaw and trouble swallowing, her heart ached not only with worry for his health but also for the kind of world he would grow up in.

“Whenever he swallows, he is in danger of aspirating,” Angela explained. Their lives were carefully planned around every breath he took. His primary care physician knew how critical his condition was and recommended that they seek help from Shriners in the United States. That was when their journey to RMHC Dayton began.

While preparing for the life-changing trip, she found herself scrolling through Shriners’ social media pages, searching for signs of hope. What she found were glimpses into the lives of families staying just across the street at the Ronald McDonald House.

“It’s such a great place to stay with people with such inspiring stories. I wished and prayed that we could stay there,” she said.

That wish came true. For nearly six months, the Ronald McDonald House was more than a roof over their heads; it became a true home away from home.

“There are so many opportunities while staying at the House. I not only had a room to stay, but there was a kitchen so I could cook and a playroom for Mavy to enjoy.”

But more than the comforts of home, it was the sense of belonging that mattered most. “I prayed to be surrounded by kind people. In here, I can feel like Mavy is accepted.”

Each moment, her son was met with smiles, playtime, and laughter; each moment someone sang to him or took time to include him, her heart healed a little more. “What melted my heart was to see all the kindness toward Mavy. Seeing people play with him, laugh with him, and bring him joy meant a great deal to me. It’s a good thing we are here.”

Thanks to RMHC Dayton, what began as a medical journey became something much more: a story of hope, acceptance, and a community that embraced a little boy just as he was.