Meet Ethan Smith, a witty and resilient 16-year-old from Chipley, Florida. Several months ago, Ethan’s dad, Forrest, noticed a swollen lymph node in Ethan’s neck. Along with the swelling, Ethan had been experiencing intense itching and night sweats. The family wasn’t sure what was going on, but concern quickly grew when the symptoms began to mirror those Ethan’s mom experienced before her own diagnosis with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Trusting their instincts, the Smiths reached out to her doctor, who referred them to a pediatric physician. A biopsy was performed, and on January 21, Ethan was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Ethan is currently undergoing chemotherapy at Children’s of Alabama and just completed round two of four. Each round follows a 21-day cycle—eight days of intensive chemotherapy followed by 13 days of rest and recovery.
Healing Beyond Hospital Walls
Through it all, Ethan and his family have shown incredible strength. But their journey has been made a little easier thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama.
During his first round of treatment, Ethan was hospitalized overnight and struggled to rest in the clinical setting. But for his second round, he was able to receive chemo on an outpatient basis and stay overnight at the Ronald McDonald House. This was a gamechanger for Ethan.
Staying at the Ronald McDonald House “feels more like home,” and made it much easier for him to focus on his health.
RMHC of Alabama offers more than just a place to stay—providing meals, family activities, peer support, and more. For the Smith family, one of the biggest impacts during their stay was the Meals from the Heart program. For a family stretched thin by hospital schedules and emotional strain, a hot, home-cooked meal offered not only nourishment—but normalcy.
Ryan’s Rider’s: Giving Back to Young Race Fans
Through RMHCA’s partnership with NASCAR, Ethan also got the opportunity to participate in the Ryan’s Rider program, hosted by NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Ryan Ellis. As part of this program, which uplifts young race fans facing tough challenges, Ethan’s name was proudly featured on the passenger-side name rail at the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Ryan’s Riders is designed to recognize and uplift young race fans who are facing medical challenges, the loss of a loved one, or other difficult circumstances. The goal of the program is simple but powerful: to use the NASCAR platform to bring smiles, encouragement, and unforgettable experiences to kids and their families when they need it most.
Ethan’s story serves as a reminder of the RMHC of Alabama mission to care for families with children who are ill or injured by providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.
Because of your support, RMHC of Alabama can help families like the Smith’s. Make a gift today to bring comfort and care to families when they need it most.
