Family Room Provides Comfort for Teen's Family

“It was shocking…almost like a really bad dream. The night before we went to the hospital… I cried of a stomachache,” said Lydia Brink.

16 year old Lydia Brink was an active teenager who enjoyed gymnastics and tennis.  Last summer, Lydia and her family received the devastating news that she had cancer.  On June 22, 2009, Lydia was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of fourteen; her life and world were dramatically changed. 

The Brink family rushed Lydia by ambulance to the hospital from their home in Cleveland.  Since her diagnosis Lydia and her mom are in Chattanooga for several days at a time so Lydia can get the necessary radiation treatment she needs.  Since her diagnosis, Lydia has spent nearly 70 days in the hospital. The Brink family is grateful to have Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House available for them during Lydia’s doctor visits.

“Lydia has close access to a comfortable place to rest after undergoing her treatments--- and in the case of a possible emergency, we are across the street from the hospital,” said Linda Brink, Lydia’s mother.

Linda also shares that Ronald McDonald Family Room has been a great resource for her for quick breaks to do laundry and get snacks in between Lydia’s chemotherapy treatments.