Home Away From Home
Meet the Slivniker Family
Keeping Families Close
For eight years, the Slivniker family has found a home away from home at the Ronald McDonald House during their annual trip to St. Louis for Brina. In 2016, Brina underwent a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery at St. Louis Children’s Hospital by world leader Dr. Parks. This is an effective option for reducing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Undertaking the surgery was done in hopes of improving Brina’s mobility.
April 2024 marked a particular moment in Brina’s journey when she took her first unassisted steps in therapy. The successful surgery and years of intense therapy have improved her mobility.
“I planned to show my big brother how I walk,” says Brina. “I want to walk my dog one day.”
Ronald McDonald House has become their refuge by taking away the worry of where to stay or how to afford their month-long stay in the United States. Offering more than a place to stay but a place to thrive.
“Her doctors told us she will never walk, or she will never sit and always use a wheelchair,” says Mom. “Until we came to St. Louis.”
We need your help
Since 1981, Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis has grown from an eight-bedroom facility to now include two Ronald McDonald Houses® and four in-hospital Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®. Because of your support, we serve thousands of children and their families annually. As our organization grows, so does our need for your support.
The 2024 Home Away from Home Appeal is the annual giving program that provides the financial foundation for our yearly operation. It costs the charity $125 per night for each family’s stay at the Ronald McDonald House and additional funding to support our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Your contribution to the 2024 Home Away from Home Appeal will sponsor a family and help offset this cost.