When Jordyn first began searching for answers for her children, nothing seemed to connect. One symptom led to another, and one appointment led to the next. Still, there were more questions than answers.
Her children, Blakily and Cooper, both live with dystonia, a movement disorder that can affect the entire body. Some days, they may seem fine. Other days, the pain is overwhelming.
“It’s kind of like if you went into a plank position and then tried to go throughout your entire day,” Jordyn shared. “That feeling… that’s kind of their baseline.”
As their symptoms progressed, Jordyn knew they needed specialized care. That search eventually led them to Rochester.
They traveled not for one child, but for two.
Finding Answers and Relief
After years of uncertainty, their visit to Mayo Clinic brought something they had not felt in a long time: clarity.
“For years, it felt like things didn’t connect,” Jordyn said. “Then we came here, and it was like everything finally made sense.”
For the first time, they had a plan. For Cooper, that plan included surgery—something that would ultimately change his life.
A Place to Come Back To
During their stay, the Ronald McDonald House® became more than just a place to sleep. It became a place to return to after long days of appointments, a place to reconnect as a family, and a place where their children could simply be kids again.
“Having a place to come back to each night, it just made everything feel a little more manageable,” Jordyn shared.
Meals were ready. There were games to play. Most importantly, there were other families who understood.
The Moments That Matter Most
Some of the most meaningful moments were not the big ones. They were the small, quiet ones.
“There are days when you’ve already given all the mental energy you have,” Jordyn shared. “Knowing dinner was taken care of—it took something off my plate I didn’t even know I was carrying.”
In those moments, when one less decision has to be made, families can finally take a breath.
More Than a House
What surprised Jordyn most was not just the support, but the community.
“This place isn’t just a place to stay,” she said. “It’s a place of healing, understanding, and friendship.”
Children form friendships quickly. Families share their stories. No one feels alone.
Looking Ahead
Today, Cooper is already feeling the impact of his surgery.
“He’s just so thankful,” Jordyn shared. “It’s something I never expected my seven-year-old to say, but it’s been life-changing.”
Their journey is not over, but their family now moves forward with something they did not have before: a plan, support, and the knowledge that they do not have to face it alone.
Because of generous supporters, families like Blakily and Cooper’s have the support they need to stay close during difficult moments.