The Quish Family
Since their son Noah was born seven years ago, the Quish family has faced a long and uncertain medical journey. Already in his young life, he’s been diagnosed with a heart condition, blocked airways, severe scoliosis, Chiari malformation, meningitis, and hydrocephalus.
“The list just goes on. He keeps adding to it every year,” says Noah’s mom, Una.
So much of Noah’s life is uncertain, but where the family will stay when visiting hospitals and treatment centers never is thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana.
The Quish family called the Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center their home as Noah received speech, feeding, and occupational therapy at NAPA Center Chicago. Although this was the family’s first time in Chicagoland, it’s far from their first time staying in a Ronald McDonald House.
The Quish family hails from Limerick, Ireland, but the family spends substantial time in Dublin getting Noah the advanced medical care he needs. Since Dublin is a two-hour drive from the family’s home, they usually stay at Ronald McDonald House in the city.
Una notes that being able to stay at Ronald McDonald House – both in Dublin and Chicago – has kept their family together and eased a difficult experience.
“It would have been a lot worse if we didn’t have us all together as a family,” says Una.
The ability to stay at a Ronald McDonald House, no matter where Noah receives medical treatment, gives the Quish family a sense of familiarity and comfort. Although they have traveled halfway around the world, the family still has a place that feels like home.
“When you walk into Ronald McDonald House, you know it’s your home away from home,” says Una. “It really is so reassuring to know that we have a room here when we need it. Meeting people and having your meals cooked for you is just amazing. It seems like something so small, but it’s not.”
In addition to a safe, clean, and free place to stay, Ronald McDonald House has given the Quish family a community and support system while they’re away from their family and friends at home. Recently, Noah’s sister, Leah, celebrated her 12th birthday during their stay in Chicago. The other residents and Ronald McDonald House staff went above and beyond to make Leah feel loved by decorating her room and surprising her with a gift basket.
“They’re always looking out for us. Even when we’re not staying with them, they’re still looking out for us,” says Una about the RMHC community.
The Quish family plans to return to Chicago to continue Noah’s feeding therapy at NAPA Center and takes comfort in knowing that whether they’re 100 miles from home or 3,500, Ronald McDonald House will be there to provide a home away from home for them.