Family is medicine, and it helped three-year-old Denver Genge of Brig Bay, NL fight cancer at Ronald McDonald House

 It is hard to put into words how a parent feels when their child has been diagnosed with cancer. It has to be one of the most difficult experiences for a family. And for families who don’t live close to the medical care and resources they need, there is an added stress, distance. RMHC gives families with a sick child what they need most – each other.  

Denver had surgery when he was just a baby, but then relapsed in 2021 at age two.  It was then he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer that starts in certain very early forms of nerve cells.

For the Genge family, whose home is in Brig Bay, NL, this meant relocating on a semi-permanent basis more than 10 hours away in St. John’s, to be near the medical care and resources Denver would need.

“It was quite a relief to actually have somewhere to go in a situation like ours, as the stress of trying to find accommodations especially on short notice is quite stressful” said Courtney Genge,  Devers mom.  “ Staying at Ronald McDonald House meant we were close to the hospital, able to cook Denver’s favorite foods and give him a “home-like” environment.“

The Home for Dinner Program was especially a favorite for the Genge Family, “It actually gives families a chance to eat real food.  Ronald McDonald House gives us a home feeling instead of always feeling like we live at the hospital”

During Denver’s treatments, he endured several surgeries, five rounds of chemotherapy,  two stem cell transplants, five rounds of immunotherapy and cycles of medications.

“Everyone at Ronald McDonald House is so caring and respectful.  They helped in every way, from having breakfast ready before early morning appointments, a new quilt to cuddle, a special surprise from the Magic Room, to our favorite memory, which was family time in the movie theatre.  Ronald McDonald House made an unbearable time more bearable. “

While Denver’s journey has been long and difficult, Denver is now in maintenance treatments for the next two years.  The Genge Family are thankful to Ronald McDonald House for providing vital programs and services to families with a sick or injured child.