Rose Kramer’s Family
When Rose was born six weeks early via emergency C-section, her family had no idea what was in store. Instead of a crying baby and happy tears, Rose was immediately prepared for transport to Loyola University Medical Center.
She was born in critical condition due to her Leukemia diagnosis, AML M7. On the second day of life, her parents were told that she wouldn’t make it through the morning.
“I was truly not aware of the magnitude of the situation as the C-section left me in a haze,” her mother said. “When I arrived at Loyola, I was immediately greeted by the Hospital Chaplain. It is not a good sign when the chaplain is present with your child’s care.”
“I contacted my parents and had them remove my other children from school. I thought to myself, ‘this may be the only time they would see their baby sister alive,’” she continued.
The doctors introduced nitrous oxide, and things were looking better. On the fourth day of her life, Rose began the first of five rounds of chemotherapy. Her parents, Michelle and Joel, were able to stay minutes away for the duration of her treatment – a total of five months – thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana.
“You don’t even realize all the things you may need until you’re put in this kind of situation.” Michelle said. “We’re so grateful to Ronald McDonald House for allowing us to be steps away from our daughter in case anything was to happen. The meals and other amenities they provided also gave us one less thing to worry about.”
“The biggest thing for us was the proximity to Rose,” Michelle recalled. “That was the solace we needed to get through it.”
The House near Loyola University Medical Center provided her parents the relief they needed to focus on what was most important – Rose’s care. “The House truly became our second home.” The Loyola House Staff became part of the Kramer family, too. “They were an extension of our family,” Michelle noted. “We shared good news. We shared bad news. They truly cared about how Rose was doing.”
After their initial five month stay, Rose and her family utilized the House during her monthly checkups while in remission.
When Rose had her checkups, they utilized the day program. “We’d go to the House after her appointment so she could unwind,” a break before driving back home, her mom shared.
Today, Rose is eight years old and is loving life. She enjoys ballet, playing on the jungle gym and scaling the swing set. Her parents keep a close eye on her health. Heart issues are a potential effect of the type of chemotherapy she endured.
“Rose is an absolute firecracker. We are thrilled about the milestones she has met despite her setback so early in life. She is sweet and stubborn; independent and smart. Just amazing!”
Michelle and Joel Kramer