Blair Tousek’s Story

Finding a Home Away from Home

People who now meet Blair Tousek, a bubbly little girl of 9 months, are amazed to realize what the child—and her parents, Tanya and Darrin—once dealt with after she was born on April 19, 2011. An ultrasound four months earlier had revealed Blair possessed a birth defect called lumbar-sacral spina bifida. Immediately after she arrived in the world at Seton Medical Center in Austin, she was whisked away from her mother and transferred to Dell Children’s Medical Center to begin her grueling surgeries.

Faced with the trauma of not being able to hold her daughter for three days and the long commute from the hospital to their home in La Grange, the Touseks found hope and a safe place next door at the Ronald McDonald House.

“We gratefully called it home during those difficult days that began Blair’s life,” said Tanya.

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Surrounded by Support and Love

As her pregnancy progressed, Tanya found great support among her family, friends and colleagues at work—and the circle widened to include the Ronald McDonald House. Growing up, Tanya recalled, “There were times when I would toss coins in the Ronald McDonald House canisters. I never knew I was actually helping myself for later."

The Touseks were able to shower, rest and re-energize, as well as use the laundry facilities, at the Ronald McDonald House, just steps away from Blair’s room at the hospital. Tanya expressed gratitude for the opportunity to save money and time by staying so close to their daughter as she recovered. Ten days after Blair was born, the family was able to take her home to La Grange.

“Besides wearing a brace at night for her underdeveloped hips, Blair is absolutely perfect,” shared the proud mom. “We are very blessed and very lucky!”

“I can rest easy, knowing that if Blair ever needs another procedure, we have the Ronald McDonald House to turn to during our time of need.”

Learn more about how you can help families like the Touseks.

Written by Terri Schexnayder

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