Blayke’s Journey

Eight-year-old Blayke loves the outdoors. Whether she’s kicking a soccer ball with her younger brother Greyson or walking along the shores of Lake Erie with her family in search of beach glass, she’s smiling from ear to ear enjoying every moment. Her mom, Kristy, smiles too—knowing how long they waited for days like these.

It was in the fall of 2022 when Kristy heard the words that her daughter had leukemia. It marked the beginning of a journey that would often take them far from home for long periods of time for Blayke’s treatment. But through the uncertainty of it all, they found comfort and connection at a place they never expected – Ronald McDonald House.

“The Ronald McDonald House became a second home to us,” said Kristy.

For Kristy and her family, each of their stays at Ronald McDonald House provided exactly what they needed during an incredibly difficult time—a place to rest, a comforting sense of community, and above all, the gift of being together.

Blayke’s initial treatment kept her hospitalized for more than four months. Being just steps away from her daughter meant the world to Kristy. It gave her peace of mind and allowed her to be present for every moment of Blayke’s care. It also meant everything to her when her son Greyson stayed with them too.

“I missed my son, and the kids missed each other. It was huge for us when we were together,” said Kristy.

That sense of togetherness reached beyond their own family. Throughout each of their stays, Kristy and the kids formed friendships and bonds with the staff and other families. They would see families during the day at the hospital and then return to the House in the evening and all have dinner together. These connections with others facing similar situations provided a tremendous amount of support for all of them.

In the Spring of 2025, Blayke celebrated a significant milestone. After two and a half years of treatment, long trips back and forth and more than 150 days and nights away from home, she rang the bell that symbolized the end of her cancer treatment. Surrounded by family, friends, and her medical staff, this remarkable moment was filled with tears of joy for the brave young girl who triumphed over a difficult medical journey.