Khaled has lived at Ronald McDonald House for more than half of his ten years. His family came to Cleveland for his groundbreaking four-organ transplant, and stayed nearly two years. They have returned twice for follow-up care. Now younger sisters Sarah and Rose are equally at home here. Parents Mahmoud and Mirvat make sure that all three children enjoy carefree childhood moments, even when Khaled is in the hospital.

Khaled does a happy dance as the family leaves RMH to return home.

Khaled was born with Martinez-Frias syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder that includes severe complications such as intestinal failure, neonatal diabetes, hypothyroidism, iron overload and liver disease. Since birth he required intravenous feeding and daily insulin doses. On his first birthday, he weighed less than seven pounds. After exhausting all local treatment resources, his parents found options for organ transplants here in Cleveland.

Khaled and his parents arrived at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland speaking minimal English and not knowing anyone. They quickly met other families and became part of the House community. Having the support of the House helped them endure the barrage of tests, exams, inpatient therapy and waiting for an organ transplant that could provide a life-saving cure. Mirvat, Khaled’s mother, was grateful, saying “If we didn’t have this home, I don’t know what we’d do.” Thankfully, Khaled didn’t seem to mind the waiting – he was busy making friends with the House volunteers, learning English and playing.

After more than a year, Khaled received a groundbreaking four-organ (multivisceral) transplant. A team of five surgeons worked for 15 hours to transplant a new liver, pancreas, small intestine and duodenum (first section of the small intestine) into his tiny four-year-old body. The transplant was a success and less than two months later, Khaled was discharged from the hospital and allowed to return to the Ronald McDonald House. Ten months after the transplant the family was finally given approval to return to their home country.

Throughout their journey, the family has maintained a routine and a sense of normalcy, and have become an integral part of the extended family at the House. The girls play dress up, perform puppet shows, help in the kitchen and participate in all of the evening activities. Mirvat often works with RMH staff and volunteers to prepare the House dinner when there is no scheduled meal group. They have celebrated birthdays, holidays and family milestones at the Ronald McDonald House, and made lasting friendships with other families. Sarah attends school and all the kids have friends to play with, but most importantly, Khaled’s family has a place to call home, where they can be together and near the care he needs to survive. Mahmoud is quick to share his gratitude:

Your support allows siblings to grow up together and parents to be parents — no matter how long a child’s treatment or how far away from home.