We are delighted to share this guest blog form our dear friends at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. We are looking forward to the Walk for Kids on April 12th and hope that you all will be joining us at the walk, with your financial support, or in spirit.
~Michael and Frida Donner

Meet the Spencers, our 2015 Walk for Kids Ambassador Family. Parents, Robert, Jannel and daughter Ruby have been part of the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times Family since 2012. Here is their story:

During Ruby’s 5^th birthday party she didn’t seem like herself. She had no desire to play and was feeling cold the whole day. The following week on a family vacation, Ruby slept through the entire trip. One day she just collapsed to the floor and was rushed to the hospital unable to walk. After enduring blood transfusions and a spinal tap, the Spencers received the devastating diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

One day, during treatment, a nurse introduced the Spencer family to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. Robert and Jannel told us, “At that time we felt alone, like no one knew what we were going through. Your family and friends are there for you but they are not able to fully comprehend what you have to deal with. You see and meet families in the hospital but in our everyday life our daughter was different than other kids, separated if you will.”

In the spring of 2012 the family decided to take a leap of faith and attend what they knew was going to be an innovative and different experience for them. It was at Family Camp that the Spencers experienced the joy of once again seeing Ruby play and laugh just like any other kid. Family Camp is a place where they were able to connect with others who understand the repercussions, impacts and effects of cancer. The Spencers appreciated a place to get away from the everyday life, the schedule of treatments and doctor appointments. They now know they are not alone and have made lifelong friends.

Ruby said it best, “Camp is so much fun and I want to live there!”

In August of 2013 maintenance treatment ended for Ruby. She is now taking medications and is back at school doing great. This year Ruby will turn 8 years old and will graduate from Family Camp and move on to proudly experience the joy of summer camp!

On April 12^th the Spencer family will come together and walk for Ruby. They will show their love and support for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times at the Los Angeles Exposition site of the Walk for Kids.

Please join us for a great morning of fun to include; music, giveaways, a kids zone, a game truck, face-painting, the LA Kings, the LA Galaxy, the Laker Girls and more!