How the House Made a Difference For the Shafer Family

LOMA LINDA>> In January of 2008, Scott and Jennifer Shafer of Hesperia stayed at Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House when their son, Soren, who was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, was in the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. Although Soren passed away at just 17 days old, the Shafer family remains grateful for the time they were able to spend with him. Soon after Soren’s passing, Scott and Jennifer learned they were expecting another baby boy, Easton. Soon after his birth, Easton developed Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and his family would once again find themselves finding comfort at the Ronald McDonald House. During their time at the Ronald McDonald House, Easton’s condition became critical and they almost lost him. Over time, his condition improved and he was able to go home. To this day, Jennifer believes that in addition to the great works by his doctors, Easton got better because his family was there throughout his recovery. The Shafer family returned to the Ronald McDonald House in November of 2015 when their son, Landon, was born two months early. During her pregnancy Jennifer learned that Landon’s kidneys were not functioning correctly and due to a blockage, there was not any amniotic fluid. The outlook was grim and the Shafer family was preparing for the worst. Exactly 8 years after their first stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they found themselves in the same situation. Landon spent two months in the NICU and underwent several surgeries and treatments. Jennifer was able to be with Landon every day, and Scott and their other children were able to visit. During their two months stay the Shafer family celebrated birthdays, Christmas, and Scott and Jennifer’s 18th wedding anniversary. On Jan. 13, 2016, Landon’s original due date, he was released from the hospital and able to go home. “We’re so grateful for everything they have done,” Shafer said. “To have more rooms, to help more families that need the help like we did, I can’t even tell you how amazing that is. I would just like to say ‘thank you’ for everything that you have done for my family. I don’t know that the outcomes of our children would have been the same if it weren’t for us being by their side.” Jennifer said she fully believes their recovery was due to the support they had which would not have been possible without the Ronald McDonald House.