One Family’s Story

Some families stay at the Ronald McDonald House for a day; others stay more than a year. The circumstances of what brings them to the Omaha Ronald McDonald House may vary, but one thing remains: Parents will do anything to help their sick children — even traveling thousands of miles so they can receive the very best in medical care.

With Luck

Some might question Gai and Mai Vang’s choice of a middle name for their son, Ken.

In Hmong, Muaj Koob means “with luck.”

The 6-month-old was born with part of his intestines on the outside of his stomach. Physicians in Oklahoma had reassured the couple that their son’s intestines could be placed inside his stomach after birth.

“He was born and they took him to surgery right away,” Mai recalled. “I didn’t get to see him or hold him.”