When Brianna Johnson, a 16-year-old from Mobile, Alabama, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in October 2024, her life changed overnight. What followed was a months-long hospital stay, a cross-state move, and a lifesaving bone marrow transplant from a donor all the way in Europe. But through it all, Brianna and her family found comfort, support, and strength at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.
Her mother, Starla Haney, recalls the difficult months leading up to Brianna’s diagnosis. “She was very sick, 3 months prior to that. Back and forth to hospitals, and urgent cares. When she was diagnosed, we were admitted to USA Women’s and Children’s in Mobile, Alabama. She was there for 4 months.” That’s when Starla was first introduced to the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile.
“I had heard of Ronald McDonald House before, but never thought of it in context to me,” Starla said. “But my experience there was amazing. I never thought people like that existed outside of church. They were so kind, and you didn’t need to have anything. For a family going through this, that kind of kindness is humbling.”
In March, Brianna and her family relocated to Birmingham for her bone marrow transplant. Though her procedure was delayed and required them to leave briefly, Starla said the Ronald McDonald House made returning seamless. “They always put your needs first,” she explained. “When I called two days before we were supposed to come back, they had a room waiting for us.”
For Brianna, the House offered one essential thing: togetherness. “Instead of being stuck in the hospital, we can stay here.”
Starla added that the financial relief has also been significant. “When my husband comes up from Mobile, we can all be here together without worrying about hotels. “ Staying at the House has lifted a major burden off their shoulders, allowing them to focus fully on Brianna’s healing. “The House has kept us together during one of the hardest seasons of our lives.”
When asked what will stay with her the most, Starla answered without hesitation, “The kindness. Every single person, staff, families, volunteers, has been compassionate and loving. That’s what I’ll remember forever.”
In 2024, RMHC of Alabama has provided more than 20,000 nights of lodging for families like the Haneys, saving them over $7.4 million in out-of-pocket lodging and food expenses. This International Family Day, help us keep families like Brianna’s close by donating or volunteering with RMHC of Alabama.
