Daniel is a typical 10-year-old who enjoys all the activities of most boys his age. That is, until he suffered a devastating accident which left Daniel with damage to both his neck and his hip, causing Daniel a lot of pain, and inability to get around without the assistance of crutches. It also left him unable to do many of the activities a boy his age loves to do.
In December of 2005 Daniel and his mother Celia and his stepfather Alex made the 240-mile trip from Pendleton Oregon to Bend where he would undergo orthopedic surgery at St. Charles Medical Center (SCMC). Arriving with more questions then answers they had no idea how they could afford staying at a motel. This question added to the already mounting concerns of time missed from work and medical bills.
The thought of their child's health was paramount in their minds, but the additional issues felt overwhelming. Then a social worker at SCMC told the family about the Ronald McDonald House®.
The social worker let Daniel's concerned parents know that the House was a wonderful "home-away-from-home" for families of children to stay while receiving medical treatment. Daniel’s family also learned that it is located right next-door to the hospital and just minutes from Daniel's orthopedic surgeon's office.
They were uncertain, not knowing much about the House, and requested a tour before a decision was made. Once inside, and halfway through the tour, Daniel and his family decided to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. During their stay Daniel became a favorite among the staff. Always eager to share a smile and good conversation with whomever was nearby. Before his family checked out and picked him up at the hospital on their way home, Daniel made a personal request that his dad let everyone at the House know "it was the best place he had ever stayed."

Shortly after Daniel's family left, a couple from Crooked River Ranch stopped by the Ronald McDonald House. They had a brand new "Harley Davidson" style bicycle to donate for a child staying at the House during the Holiday season. House manager Cheryl Wren immediately thought of Daniel. She quickly called them to see if they had already left town.
Rarely do those who are so generous to the families at the Ronald McDonald House get to see the impact their giving makes. They often miss the smile and the grateful sigh of relief their kindness provides a child and the members of their family. Not today though, Cheryl reached Daniel’s mom via cell phone and the family headed back to the House and to the couple with the waiting gift.
What happened next was priceless. Daniel's parents opened the car door, where he reclined on the seat surrounded by strategically placed pillows, his blanket, bear and crutches. The couple wheeled the bike over to the car for Daniel to see and told him "Merry Christmas" the bike was his. A look of amazement spread over the young boys face and then tears came to his eyes. "Oh My Gosh! It's for me? I can't believe it! Really? Is it really for me?"
Soon tears were in everyone's eyes and the moment was amazing. It was wonderful for the couple donating the bike to see the difference they made in a child's life, something the staff at RMHC gets to see regularly because of the caring gifts of all who give to the Ronald McDonald House.