Mission Moment: The Runyon Family

We are honored to highlight the Runyon family at this year’s Wine, Women & Shoes event May 11, 2023.


We will be showcasing a special video about this family the night of the event. In the mean time, please read on to learn about their story and how Ronald McDonald House has been a part of it.



Paige and Brian Runyon directly understand the impact of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga from the numerous times they needed to call RMHC their home away from home. Almost six years ago when their twins Wallace and Whitleigh were born, both babies needed immediate attention in the NICU. Wallace was able to leave the NICU after one week, but the odds were not the same for Whitleigh.


48 hours after Whitleigh was born, she underwent her first surgery of what would be one of fourteen by the age of five. When Paige was pregnant with the twins, she got news that baby Whitleigh only developed one kidney. With that being devastating news in itself, the Runyons were hit with more severe news the day the twins were born.


Whitleigh was diagnosed with VACTERL association, a condition that for her involves vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, and renal anomalies. The doctors told Paige and Brian that Whitleigh was unable to properly process food and would not be able to walk or use her voice.


Now almost six years old, Whitleigh not only walks and speaks, but she does cartwheels (one-handed ones too) and sings any chances she gets. She also loves snacking on Cheetos. She may have more procedures left, but you’d never know how many obstacles she’s overcome by the brightest smile and biggest personality to walk in any room.


The Runyon’s live an hour away from Erlanger Hospital. With the many surgeries and checkups in Whitleigh’s life, Paige and Brian found a space that takes care of them while their baby girl is getting better across the street. This is what the Ronald McDonald House is and will always be about, keeping families near their child when they need them most!

The Clark Family

February 26, 2026
When Roger and Tracy Clark’s 22-year-old daughter, Summer, was driving home on May 5, 2025, their ordinary day took a devastating turn. After losing consciousness behind the wheel, she was found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had experienced a seizure caused by a frontal lobe brain mass. “I remember being in shock, scared, and trying to hold back the tears,” Tracy shared. Summer was transferred to Erlanger, where she underwent brain surgery just two days later. The biopsy revealed a Grade 3 glioma, requiring six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. “We live about an hour and a half from Erlanger, so I knew we had to be closer,” Tracy said. That’s when she was connected with Ronald McDonald House. “The staff were so helpful, kind, and supportive, and that made us feel at home during one of the most difficult times in our family.” “It was so convenient to walk across the road to her appointments,” Tracy said. “She was also sick from chemo, so being close and not having to face interstate traffic for three hours a day was such a blessing.” The meals, snacks, and support of the staff provided comfort, stability, and relief. “During a season of life when you don’t know what tomorrow holds, your family is your greatest support. Not only did we have our immediate family nearby, we had an extended RMH family that gave their all in helping us make it through.” Summer added, “It wasn’t just a house, it was a home filled with love and understanding. I can honestly say that the Ronald McDonald House helped save my life because it gave me the stability and encouragement I needed to keep fighting.

The Johnson Family

By Izabelle Bradley • January 27, 2026
After giving birth at eight months and undergoing an emergency C-section, Toni Ann Johnson learned her son, Azari-Asher, would need to stay in the NICU. With limited mobility, her team at Erlanger referred her to Ronald McDonald House so she could remain close while recovering. “I stayed for almost three weeks and it was the best experience having gone through that painful ordeal,” Toni Ann said. “I remember how safe and welcoming the environment was and the staff was always there to greet us with a smile or give us extra treats.” Having a place so close to the hospital gave her comfort during a difficult time. “The biggest help was the convenience of it all being so close and not feeling lost or like you’re going through it alone,” she shared. “The whole experience was such a blessing and memorable; it meant the world to me just to be able to talk and share laughs with the staff and other families there,” Toni Ann said. “Not having to think about anything apart from rest and your baby was the ultimate gift and we are forever grateful to RMHC.” Today, both Toni Ann and Azari-Asher are healthy and thriving.