Connecticut Family Credits Ronald McDonald House with Daughter’s Successful Treatment

A Connecticut family is expressing profound gratitude for the support they received from the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia while their infant daughter underwent critical surgeries at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Ian and Viktoriia Cunningham sought treatment for their daughter, June, after a mass was discovered at the base of her spine during Viktoriia’s 23rd week of pregnancy. Despite being presented with the option to terminate the pregnancy, the Cunninghams chose to fight for their daughter’s life. Following June’s birth, she required two surgeries to remove the mass. The family faced significant financial and emotional strain as they temporarily relocated to Philadelphia for the duration of her treatment, a common challenge for families navigating complex pediatric medical care.

The Cunninghams were directed to the Ronald McDonald House, which provided crucial support by alleviating the financial burden and emotional toll of constant hospital visits. “They’re so positive here. I’m getting honestly goosebumps just thinking about it because when you are out there and if people don’t know about it or not made aware of it, it can wreck you,” Ian Cunningham said. Viktoriia Cunningham added, “I am able to smile today, but over the last couple of months, it was not easy… She had a chance and we just went with it.”

Now five months old, June is expected to live a normal life, and the Cunninghams have returned home to Connecticut filled with gratitude. They plan to volunteer at their local Ronald McDonald House chapter, hoping to “give back” to an organization that provided them with invaluable assistance. You can learn more about supporting families through the Ronald McDonald House and their “Heart in the House” initiative.

The Cunninghams intend to remain actively involved with the Ronald McDonald House, offering support and guidance to other families facing similar medical journeys.