The Farrell Family Patient: Braden Age: 2 years Diagnosis: Hurler's Syndrome (MPS I) Length of Stay: 4 months We would like to extend a “thank you” to the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis, MN. In April 2006, our two-year old son, Braden Farrell, was diagnosed with MPS I (Hurler’s Syndrome), a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease affecting 1 in 100,000 children. When we received the results of the final testing, we were floored and went through the typical emotions when you hear devastating news: shock, depression, denial, and then determination to get help for our son. After educating ourselves on MPS I, we made the decision to bring him to the best hospital that dealt with this disease, the Minnesota-Fairview Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was agreed upon that a bone marrow transplant was the best treatment for him, with his brave sister, Megan (4 1⁄2) as the donor. We are from Louisiana and had never been to Minnesota. Our next big decision was to find a place to stay for the four months of recovery from the bone marrow transplant. My mother works for Crosstex Energy, a company out of Dallas, Texas and they are a corporate sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. They offered to donate us a stay at the RMH in Minneapolis in order to help out for as long as Braden needed to stay there. I had heard about the Ronald McDonald Houses, but never thought I would be there one day. The support was wonderful and made our stay a home away from home. I was amazed at the volunteer staff. I can’t say enough about the warm feeling we received there. They always made sure we had a hot meal every night, including deserts. On weekends, there was a brunch and dinner served daily. The RMH van brought us to a Target Superstore twice a week to pick up essentials. The hospital provided a security van to bring us back and forth from the hospital and clinic, no matter what time of the day or night, waiting in the driveway until we entered the RMH. Then, there was the famous Thursday night Bingo game - every child won a gift or two, donated by organizations. They always looked forward to this night! Of course, there were other activities to keep their minds busy while recovering from critical diseases such as: a bouncy house every Wednesday night, arts and crafts, dog therapy, reading sessions with the Minnesota Viking’s wives, movies, and school. We would often find a gift at our door from volunteers who took the time to make a blanket or a basket filled with goodies. I never imagined they provided all of this. They really took some of the stress off of my family during this difficult time. It was not only the material things they provided either, but the warmth and compassion that came with it. We really got attached to the other families that were also there. It was amazing that we were from all parts of the world and different walks of life, yet had so much in common. Everyone’s saying was; “One day at a time!” We will never forget them. They will forever be a part of my family. The RMH made this possible. We are forever grateful. If it would not have been for my mother’s employer, Crosstex Energy, we may have not ever known about the RMH and would not have met such good friends for life. Four months later, we are home and Braden is doing well. Thank God and the support and prayers of family and friends. Thanks RMH and Crosstex Energy!