Today I traveled to a very special place here in Atlanta. I visited the Ronald McDonald House located just minutes from Emory University. This is a brand new facility that just opened in June 2008 and has 50 bedrooms for families to stay in while their children are being treated at Children’s Hospital. Let me tell you, I was amazed at how beautiful this place was, it felt like I was in a five star hotel yet at home at the same time. I was so happy as I was touring the building because I couldn’t get over how wonderful it was for all of the families who have and will come through their doors. Did you know that there are 284 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide with more than 6,200 rooms for families? Um WOW!
Right now here in Atlanta the Ronald McDonald House is having a raffle and you can win a brand new BMW convertible. I think I need that! So if any of you think you need it, or would like to make a donation you can visit their website. They are always looking for non-cash donations as well – such as household supplies, so be sure and check out their wish list!
My mission this morning was to photograph the Spadgenske (Spah-GEN-skee) family from Birmingham, Alabama. They have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House over 15 times! Their first visit to the Houston Mill House was in January 1996 when their daughter Lily was only 30 days old. Shortly after, Lily received her liver transplant when she was 54 days old and the family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House until Lily was able to go home. Their son, Sawyer, had his liver transplant when he was only ten days old in April of 2000. The family stayed at the House for two months until Sawyer was able to return home.
I have a confession to make. I seriously wanted to pack this family in to my mini van and bring them home with me. This family has a bond that is just so amazing, true and real. For the many challenges they have gone through so far you would NEVER EVER be able to tell it. They were so full of life, happy and so much fun. I think my heart must have grown like 10x today just spending time with them.
I think I was a hit with Sawyer & Lily because I know ALLLL about Nintendo DS games (they each had a DS – lily had a pink one and Sawyer had a blue one). Next time I see them we are going to Pictochat like crazy! When I started to leave I got *the* biggest and best group hug from them ever. Of course then Sawyer had to flex his muscles, yep he is one strong little dude! One of the reasons I love photographing children is because of their honesty and acceptance of others unconditionally, they never worry if you are having a bad hair day or that your socks don’t match, but they love to laugh when you wear a silly moustache. 
Thank you to the Spadgenske family, it is a pleasure to know you and to now call you my friends and thank you to the wonderful people at the Ronald McDonald House for making this possible.
Here are a few photos to share from our time together.
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