06 Aug Meet the Ferguson Family
Three years ago, Ethan Ferguson began suffering from seizures. After his family took him to the hospital for a MRI, his doctors discovered a very aggressive and rare cancerous brain tumor. Soon after, Ethan underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumor. Yet, in February of this year his doctors found new tumor growth during a routine scan and check-up. Ethan was faced with yet another serious brain surgery to remove the new tumor growth.
Throughout this journey, the Ferguson family has called the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House their “home-away-from-home.” It has been their safe haven from the hustle and bustle of the hospital and has provided them hot meals and restful sleep each night during their stay. This summer, our House was home to Teresa, Ethan and his two spunky, little sisters Reyse and Piper.
“This House has a way of bringing people together,” said Ethan’s mother, Teresa.“When I hear the stories of other families staying here, it makes me realize that we’re all in this together. This place provides us with all the comforts of home and it has become our ‘home-away-from-home.’ But it’s even more than that- it’s a family away from family.”
Today, 14-year-old Ethan and his family are back home in Savannah, Georgia and Ethan is excited to begin high school! During the school year, Ethan and his mother will return to Atlanta every other week for up to six months as he continues his chemotherapy treatments at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
“We’re looking forward to coming back to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House to see all the families and staff members that have become such close friends,” Teresa said.
Ethan and his mother agree that the past two and a half years have been a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of ups and downs, but they are grateful to have the opportunity to stay together at our House.
We’re grateful to be a small part of their story of healing and togetherness.