28 Aug The Wells Family

Veronica Wells was having focal seizures at 2 months old, where brain cells on one side of your brain malfunction. She was diagnosed with a rare, large cystic brain tumor. The tumor was benign, but it kept growing.

By the time she turned 2, she had two tumors removed, had a stroke and was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. Her mom, Anna, said they tried several paths for treatment; chemotherapy was unsuccessful but they eventually found a clinical trial where a medication finally made her tumor stop growing. By that point Veronica had some paralysis on her left side and wore an eyepatch and a brace. 

Hailing from Red Rock, Texas, Anna and Veronica, now 7,  found themselves heading to Kansas City for a comprehensive treatment plan for Veronica through AbilityKC. The rest of the family came along for the first week – dad, Aaron; sister, Claire (10); and brother, Micah (5) – because it was summer and the kids were off of school. The Wells were blown away by the services Ronald McDonald House provided them as a family unit, in addition to being a great place to stay.

“The week Aaron was here was the first time in so long that we could have fun together as a family, because Ronald McDonald House took care of so many of our needs,” said Anna. They were able to visit many area family-friendly attractions while together as a family unit.

“Ronald McDonald House allows you to focus on what the challenge [with your child] is and not have to worry about cooking, or where you are going to sleep or paying for a hotel,” she said.

One of the favorites of the Wells’ family at Ronald McDonald House? The therapy dogs of course! When asking 5-year-old Micah Wells who is his favorite dog, he says, “Jay is best for petting and Benson for playing!”
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