Finding Connections to Help Heal a Broken Heart
By Sarah Ford on May 7, 2014
Source: Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

Mona Santoya woke in the middle of the night to hear her little daughter Genevieve gasping for air. After rushing her to the ER, tests and x-rays revealed that Genevieve’s heart was failing. She needed specialty treatment 660 miles away in Palo Alto, California.Genevieve was immediately transported to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and placed on an artificial heart to keep blood pumping through her system. Through it all, Mona kept vigil by her bedside, holding her hand, trying to keep her magnificent smile glowing through the pain.
For nearly a week, Genevieve and Mona were all alone without any support. Thankfully, a room opened up at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford right next to the hospital. This meant Mona’s husband and five other children could temporarily relocate and help Genevieve get better together.