Orange County Ronald McDonald House

	Natalie’s Story: Dawn and Stephen Brown knew something was wrong with their daughter when Natalie stopped doing flip turns during swim practice. Natalie then didn’t want to do the backstroke, and began complaining of severe headaches. The Brown’s knew something wasn’t right and immediately took Natalie to the hospital. A CT scan revealed the devastating news; a mass was growing in Natalie’s brain. Natalie was found to have medulloblastoma in March 2007. Medulloblastoma accounts for 20 percent of childhood brain tumors. The close-knit family from Mission Viejo moved into the Orange County Ronald McDonald House for nearly a month while Natalie was hospitalized. “We have three other children to care for as well,” says Stephen. “The Ronald McDonald House allowed us to keep our family together during a very frightening time.” Natalie’s treatments of radiation and chemotherapy are expected to be finished in early 2008. The Brown Family’s wish this holiday season is to enjoy each precious day, looking forward to when doctors announce that Natalie is “healed”. Click here to make a donation in Natalie’s honor.
Natalie Brown's Story