05 Jul Atlanta RMHC Inspires Isabella to Give Back
Meet Isabella, 12, from Meansville, Georgia, who has been staying at our Ronald McDonald House for medical treatments since she was 6 months old. She has a heart for helping others and helps her mom every year with a coat drive.
“Isabella has seen the kindness that Atlanta RMHC has shown to us throughout the years, and it inspired her to give back to the community,” says Amy White, Isabella’s mom.
Isabella was born prematurely, leading to issues with breathing and feeding. When she was 6 months old, she started running high fevers, ranging from 103 to 106 degrees.
Several tests later, Isabella was diagnosed with Leukemia, which caused her high fevers and elevated white blood cell count. During her treatment, she stayed with us at our Ronald McDonald House near Egleston.
Isabella went into remission when she was 2. “She kicked cancer’s butt,” Amy says.
Since then, Isabella has had periodic fevers, which worry her mom and doctors that her cancer is coming back, but they usually end up going away.
Now, Isabella is being treated for Leukocytosis, a heart murmur, severe headaches, and abdominal pain. “She hurts all the time from head to toe, but she is one of the strongest people I know,” Amy says.
Amy and Isabella stay at our House for Isabella’s weekly appointments at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Amy appreciates being close to the hospital and not having to worry about meals or a place to stay.
“It is so nice to know that Atlanta RMHC is there to help families when their back is up against the wall,” Amy says.
Isabella loves spending time in our arts and crafts room and playing with Betty Lou, our Chief Happiness Officer.
When Isabella grows up, she wants to become a specialist to help children like herself.
