More time to enjoy life and less time in the hospital – that’s what your support means to six-year-old Levi.  

Levi has cerebral palsy. He had the opportunity to receive a month of intensive therapy at MU Health Care’s Children’s Therapy Center. However, his family lived almost two hours away in Rolla and without a place to stay in Columbia, Levi’s mom Amy was worried she would have to say no to much-needed therapy.  

Because of your support, the Ronald McDonald House was able to offer Amy and Levi a home away from home. For the 33 days he received therapy, Levi and his mom had a place to stay and food to eat at no cost, saving the family over $3,000. 

“Without the Ronald McDonald House, Levi could not have attended these essential therapy sessions,” Amy said.  “Levi’s therapy will improve his quality of life. He’s learning skills to help him walk, talk and take care of himself independently. The therapy also strengthens his lungs and other vital organs so he can spend less time in the hospital and more time enjoying life.”

The Ronald McDonald House provided Levi and Amy a place to stay, and much more including home cooked meals, laundry facilities, and a place to play and relax. Amy felt not only at home, but safe. “Not only did I feel like the chances of him contracting Covid-19 were low during our visit but catching other viruses that often land him in the hospital as well.”

The thing Levi liked most about the House was having a place to come home to after six hours of therapy each day where he could just “be.” He played in the tree house at the playground and enjoyed finding the biggest stick he could on his walks on the trail behind the House. He was especially excited that his bedroom had not one but two ceiling fans, as he loves watching fans slow to a stop.

Levi and his mom are looking forward to staying at the House again when Levi attends more therapy sessions.

“It was humbling to have been the recipient of such generosity and kindness,” Amy said. “I am so grateful to the staff, the volunteers, and the donors that make the Ronald McDonald House available to families like mine.”

Your support enables the House to continue providing these priceless gifts to families in need. Thank you!