Last holiday season, Shawna and William Camara traveled from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, to San Diego with their children, Amelia and Clyde, for Clyde’s third heart surgery. The family stayed at Ronald McDonald House^® San Diego for three months while Clyde had surgery and recovered. This year, Shawna wrote to our supporters about that season and the small gift that became a family tradition. Here is her story, in her words.

Facing surgery far from home

“Last year, we traveled from Oʻahu to San Diego for Clyde’s third heart surgery. Clyde was born with a complex heart condition, so we knew there would be surgeries ahead as he grew.

Even though we’d been through this before, I still felt all the same worries. Would the surgery go well? How would Clyde do afterward? And how would we manage the months of being away from home, work, and school?

And then there was Christmas. We were leaving behind all the little traditions that make the season special for our family, and I worried how the holidays would feel with our days revolving around hospital visits, appointments, and Clyde’s care.

A House full of the holidays

From the moment we arrived at Ronald McDonald House San Diego, those worries felt a little lighter. The House was filled with holiday decorations, activities, special meals, and thoughtful touches that made us feel welcome.

Every day, we would sit by the giant Christmas tree in the Great Room. Amelia and Clyde would point out ornaments they hadn’t noticed before.

Then one day we found a miniature Christmas tree waiting in our room.

It may sound like a small thing, but I still get emotional thinking about it. We were so touched that someone had taken the time to make a tree just for our children.

When your child is facing heart surgery and you’re far from home, those moments mean so much. They remind you that you’re not alone.

Staying together through recovery

We spent three months at Ronald McDonald House San Diego during Clyde’s surgery and recovery. Throughout it all, we could be present for our family. Meals were always available, and we could prepare our favorite foods, too. There was always a friendly face, a kind word, or a place to take a breath after a difficult day.

Most importantly, we were able to stay together.”

Shawna Camara, Clyde’s mom

Every family who walks through those doors is carrying so much. Ronald McDonald House San Diego takes away some of the worry and gives you the space to be there for your child and for each other.

A tiny tree, a new tradition

Today, we’re back home in Hawaiʻi, and thankfully Clyde is doing well. Now we’re remembering our Christmas at Ronald McDonald House San Diego and the kindness that made it so special.

In fact, that miniature Christmas tree inspired a new tradition in our family. This year, Amelia and Clyde are decorating their own small tree and making miniature trees for their grandparents, too.

We’re doing everything we can so Clyde can have a healthy, happy life, and Ronald McDonald House San Diego is a blessing we never expected. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without it.

As you think about families spending the holidays far from home this year, please know how much your support means.

The relief we feel as parents, and the joy our children experienced, are gifts we’ll never forget. Thank you for making that possible.”

With gratitude,
Shawna Camara and Family

P.S. The greatest gift you give families is the chance to stay together when they need each other most. Thank you.