Bradyn’s Journey

“The Ronald McDonald House is more than what you could imagine. You feel safe, there are meals, and it is attached to the hospital. It really is the next best thing to being home.” – Carole, RMHC Grandma

Bradyn’s medical journey began in March 2021. He was with his grandmother, Carole, when he passed out and went into convulsions.  He was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. As he remained in the intensive care unit, Bradyn went into cardiac arrest. At that point, his physicians transferred him to a hospital more than 250 miles from home to get the specialized medical care he needed.

As Bradyn settled in at the hospital, his grandma stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for the next several weeks.

“The Ronald McDonald House is more than what you could imagine,” said Carole. “You feel safe, there are meals, and it is attached to the hospital.” “It really is the next best thing to being home,” she added.

Due to the damage to his heart caused by the cardiac arrest, Bradyn needed heart surgery. It was also determined that he would need a double lung transplant.  After two heart surgeries, Bradyn and his grandmother went home to wait for his transplant.

Nearly eight months later, Bradyn underwent a 12-hour transplant surgery.  And once again, Carole was right by her grandson’s side as she stayed at the same place that she called home just months earlier.

During Bradyn’s recovery, he was able to join his grandmother at the Ronald McDonald House. They met other families with whom they still keep in touch with.

“You really become a family here,” Carole said.

Today, Carole and Bradyn are home in Virginia. They will need to return to Pittsburgh periodically for follow-up appointments. But for now, this 10-year-old is enjoying being at home with his dog, Luna, and seeing his friends.