Photo of Mekala

Mekala, a HERO at our House

Ten-year-old Mekala knows what it means to be a Hero. On Aug. 22, MeKkla and her little brother, Russell, were in a horrible school bus accident on the way to school in Midland, Georgia. Seven children were injured, but Mekala was the most injured of all.

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Mekala protected her brother from the crushing metal of the bus by instinctively lying on top of him. The impact from the accident crushed her lower back, broke her left heel and broke bones throughout her entire right leg. Russell also suffered from a broken leg upon impact, but would not leave Mekala’s side until rescuers removed her from the bus rubble.

Since the accident, Mekala has undergone eight surgeries and has been confined to a wheelchair. Today, she is relearning to walk through physical therapy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Our House near Egleston is Mekala’s “home-away-from-home.” Here, she is able to receive daily physical therapy and attend frequent doctor’s appointments. Mekala is incredibly positive about her situation. She feels that staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Egleston is fun and she especially loves when the activity leaders come and host arts and crafts or group science experiments.

“Having groups come in to entertain MeKala is a good distraction and it helps me to have time to process,” says Sonya, Mekala’s mom. “Staying at the Ronald McDonald House has allowed Mekala to focus on being a kid and healing. In the midst of this crisis, I know that she has the care she needs and it keeps me sane and at peace. I can be with my daughter to help give her the close care she needs to recover.”

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After only six weeks of treatment, Mekala has progressed to where doctors predicted she would be six months after treatment. She is a true HERO and all who know her admire her strength and perseverance through this difficult time.

Mekala’s mom Sonya attributes her speedy recovery to staying at our House saying, “The Ronald McDonald House has helped my daughter heal quickly- being close to the care she needs.”

Staying at the Ronald McDonald House has allowed Mekala and her mom to focus on her recovery while saving thousands in living expenses by staying at the House for more than 50 nights.

Meeting other people, being with other families, praying for their babies… it’s just amazing to me,” shares Sonya. “We appreciate the House so much!”

Though we never want families to need us, we are glad to be keeping families close when they need it most.

 

Join us in supporting families and Heroes like Mekala. Become a HOUSE HERO by contributing monthly to our mission. Sign up here.

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