The Crockett Family's Summer
What does summer mean to you? Enjoying the hot seasonal weather or how about planning vacations to the beach? This year, for the Crockett family, summer meant something quite different – a life changing situation and a seven-week stay at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.
Maranda and Heath Crockett received some news in the spring that halted their summer plans instantly. Their two-year baby girl, Oceanna, was diagnosed with a grade II ependymoma (brain tumor) on April 21st at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. The next day Oceanna had surgery with a full resection meaning the doctors were able to remove the tumor. A few weeks later the Crockett's were told that Oceanna would need to begin proton therapy. This type of radiation shoots protons at the inflicted area and is only offered at a few hospitals in the United States. “Our lives were completely turned upside down in a matter of a few days. When we were told we had to go Philadelphia, we really did not know how we were going to do it all,” said Maranada.
Since the Crockett family is from Lusby, Maryland and had to make the journey to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a social worker suggested that the family look into staying at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Maranda shared her deep appreciation of the social workers suggestion. “Our decision to stay at the House was the best thing we have done through this entire process. Everyone we have met while staying in the Ronald McDonald House has been wonderful.” Said Maranda.
While Oceanna receives treatment in the mornings, the family is making the best of the summer afternoons. The Crockett family has enjoyed taking day trips and experiencing some of the exciting festivities the city of Philadelphia has to offer. The family has ridden on the carousel at the Please Touch Museum and watched the giraffes at Philadelphia Zoo. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is able to offer these experiences because of the generous ticket donations from these organizations.
Oceanna’s favorite thing to do in the House is play in the Tot Spot, located next to the kitchen. Maranda also likes the area because it allows her to talk to other families and catch up on some things while her daughter plays only a few feet away. Maranda said her family enjoys some of the nightly programs the house offers to the family. One of the family’s favorites is the Vet Pet program, provided by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, since Oceanna and her brother, Payson, can’t bring their Labradoodle, Charlie, to the house. “Oceana and Payson just love playing with the dogs.” Said Maranda.
Oceanna also takes part in many other weekly programs available for the families staying at the Chestnut Street House including the Water Play program, which is one of the most popular programs on those really hot summer days. Water Play is coordinated by the Drexel University Co-op Students and happens every Thursday afternoon throughout July and August. The program is designed to offer families a chance to cool off and have fun during the sweltering summer months.
While the Crockett’s are not down the shore this summer season, like many other families, they have been making the most of the summer while they concentrate on the one thing that is most important to them– getting Oceanna the treatment she needs. Maranda summed up her appreciation by saying, “This place is fantastic because it helps us keep everything together and as normal as possible in these last few weeks. Our family is grateful for everything – the warm cooked meals, the different activities at night, and the positive attitude of everyone at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House."
We will be checking in with the Crockett family throughout our Summer Campaign which will run from August 1st - August 5th. Please be sure to check out the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Facebook Page to see all the fun things Oceanna and her family are doing at the House.
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The Heart of the House is our Volunteer program. The volunteers serve in many ways, helping to make the House a comfortable and supportive place for our families. The caring volunteers of the PRMH make this House a home.
