29 Nov Giving Tuesday Turns to Triple Tuesday: A Story of Paying it Forward

Eleven years ago, my son, Mason, was diagnosed with pulmonary artery sling with tracheal stenosis, an extremely rare condition where his pulmonary artery was wrapped around his trachea. At just 6 weeks old, Mason was given only 48 hours to live.

I dropped everything and refused to leave his side at the hospital. A social worker noticed this, stepped in, and connected me with the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House — the place I would call home for the next four months.

There is something special about a mother’s love, touch and comfort. My son needed me by his side to get better. Thankfully, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities was there to keep us together as Mason fought to survive.

The Ronald McDonald House saved my son’s life. The House was like a breath of fresh air. The friends I made and the community I found was like therapy. It gave me — and so many others — the strength to keep moving forward.

Mason had to undergo a total of 19 surgeries and 96 procedures. He also needed a G-tube until he was 4 years old. Today, Mason is a healthy and thriving 11-year-old boy who loves STEM club and reading. I am now in a much better financial position and have built a career helping people find their happy place as a REALTOR in the metro Atlanta area.

In appreciation for everything Atlanta RMHC has done for my family, I have decided to pay it forward and support the charity in a way I have never been able to before. I am pledging a portion of my real estate proceeds and matching all gifts up to $15,000 on Giving Tuesday. My clients and friends at BITBOY Crypto have also agreed to do the same to help three times as many families this year.

I had not worked in months when my son was going through treatment. I couldn’t contribute anything to my stay when I was at the Ronald McDonald House. I am now fortunate enough to be able to give back to the charity that gave me my son. I hope you will join me.