Last October Carrie Turner celebrated her Sweet 16th birthday just like any ordinary teen. She got her driver’s license and enjoyed her life as a star student at Randolph Southern School where she was a cheerleader and active in drama, Beta Club, track and field and the National Honor Society. But when Carrie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, her life abruptly changed.

Each week, Carrie and her mother, Edwina, commute from Weston, GA for her weekly chemotherapy treatments at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. On Mondays they arrive at the Gatewood Ronald McDonald House and report to the hospital Tuesday morning for Carrie’s treatment. Staying at the Ronald McDonald House after treatment allows Carrie an evening of rest before heading home on Wednesday.  

“My favorite part about staying at the House is meeting other kids and hearing their stories. It is nice talking to people who can relate to my situation,” said Carrie. “I am also thankful to have such a great place to study and keep up my school work.”  

Carrie’s community and friends are rallying around her through prayer, encouragement and by collecting Pop Tabs. “We’ve always given our spare change to the Ronald McDonald House donation boxes at McDonald’s but we never dreamed our family would one day be helped by the donations,” said Edwina. “Staying at the Ronald McDonald House has provided us with a very comfortable home away from home in a time when our family really needs it.”