The Jaramillo Family

The Jaramillo family is no stranger to snow, particularly blizzards. When their five year old son, Dani was born, it was during a blizzard. When they received the call to come to the hospital for Dani to have his double organ transplant, again it was during a blizzard.

“Most families would shudder at jumping in a car with two small children and driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for four hours in the snow, but we believe it was meant for Dani because the blizzard is his trademark,” said Dani’s mother, Pilar.

Dani’s need for a double organ transplant is due to the disease, auto resomal polycystic kidney disease, which was diagnosed at birth. It is very rare and complicated. He was born with kidneys that were larger than a football each. He could not urinate and his lungs could not develop because of the size of his kidneys. At only 18 months of age, Dani had a right nephrectomy and a kidney transplant. His father, Luis, gave his son the kidney. Just shy of two years later, his body violently rejected it.

Dani’s rejection put him on another waiting list, this time at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Not much later, they received a call that a kidney and liver were available.

When the Jaramillo’s arrived at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dani went right to surgery. His surgery ended a day later. It was then the family realized they needed a place to stay. Although the snow had almost brought the city to a halt, the Jaramillo family did not have to worry. They crossed the connecting walkway from the hospital to the Ronald McDonald House without ever having to step outside.  

Once getting settled it was easy to visit Dani during what seemed like a never-ending snowstorm. “Having the House attached to the hospital is a huge plus because you just walk next door to see and care for your child, go to clinic or get your prescriptions,” Pilar said. “You don’t even have to go outside,” she added.

Dani’s surgery was a success and soon he was able to join his family at the House. 

“Honestly, I think we are the luckiest family in the world to have such a great place to stay and such a great group of people to call family. They make sure we have a place to sleep, food and that we are safe,” Pilar said. 

The Jaramillo family was able to return to Virginia five months after arriving. They return to the Ronald McDonald House when Dani has a check-up appointment. 

“The Ronald McDonald House is a slice of heaven when all roads seem like they are pointing to the darkest places,” Pilar said.