“When He Says ‘Home,’ He Means Here”: Ezekiel’s Journey to Healing and Hope
From the heart of South Texas comes a story of strength, hope, and unexpected comfort. Ianelly, a loving mother, has walked a long road alongside her son, Ezekiel, a cheerful and brave boy born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). AMC is a rare condition that causes joint stiffness and limits movement in multiple areas of the body. It occurs when joints don’t move properly before birth, often due to issues with muscles or nerves. AMC affects roughly 1 in every 3,000 births and can often make everyday movements, such as walking, a challenge. In Ezekiel’s case, AMC primarily affects his legs, making surgery and long-term therapy essential for his growth and quality of life.
When Ezekiel was born, Ianelly knew their medical journey wouldn’t be easy. The family searched for specialists in South Texas, but none were able to perform the complex surgeries needed to help Ezekiel walk and move more freely. After months of searching, Ianelly came across a Facebook group for parents of children with AMC, where someone mentioned Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC, and the nearby Ronald McDonald House. It was a moment of hope in what had felt like a long stretch of uncertainty. Wanting to give Ezekiel the best possible care, Ianelly made the difficult decision to travel across the country to South Carolina. At Shriners Children’s Hospital, Ezekiel was finally able to receive the treatment he needed. He has since undergone two surgeries and is making amazing progress. During both visits, the family found comfort and stability just down the road at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas.
This is now their second stay at RMHC, and it has become much more than a place to rest; it has become home. “When Ezekiel says he wants to go home from the hospital,” Ianelly said, “he doesn’t mean Texas; he means the Ronald McDonald House.”From the moment they arrived, Ianelly says they felt welcomed with care and compassion. “It’s like I never left home,” she says. The House has provided them not only with a clean, safe place to stay but also a sense of belonging. Every detail, from the home-cooked meals and friendly volunteers to the thoughtful amenities and caring staff, has made a lasting impression on their hearts.
For Ezekiel, the joy is written all over his face. His favorite part of the House is the playroom, where his imagination can run wild and where laughter fills the air. And, of course, he never misses a chance to grab one of the House’s signature cookies. He’s bonded with Lucy and Sully, two other children navigating their own medical journeys, and together, they’ve formed a little community of understanding and joy. For Ianelly, watching her son connect with other kids who play and move “his way” has brought a sense of comfort. The Ronald McDonald House has given Ezekiel more than rest and shelter; it has given him back part of his childhood. It’s a place where he’s free to laugh, to play, and to just be a kid. And for Ianelly, it has lifted a huge emotional and financial weight during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
The family plans to return in about a year for Ezekiel’s next surgery, and they already know where they’ll stay. Thanks to the support of donors and volunteers, families like Ezekiel’s can find strength, comfort, and a sense of community during their most challenging days. The Ronald McDonald House isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a lifeline, and for families like Ianelly’s, it’s home.
Written by Allison Phyfer & Tristan Jain
