Out of the blue in Fall of 2006, Paul became lethargic and had mild stomachaches and headaches. His skin appeared yellow with a red rash. Doctors diagnosed ALL leukemia and a rare blood disorder known as HLH. Eight months of chemotherapy at a Chicago hospital wasn't working, and Paul came to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for a bone marrow transplant in July 2007.

Paul's mother, Donna, lived at the Ronald McDonald House for nearly a year while Paul fought off numerous complications. "There's no way I ever could have made it without the Ronald McDonald House. No way," said Donna. The family stayed in a long-term room that gave them more space for belongings and for every-other-weekend visits from Paul's brother, Bradley.

Amber began suffering breathing problems when she was about 8 months old. Over the years, she was diagnosed as having a virus and suffering from chronic asthma. Years later it became known that Amber didn't have asthma and soon she needed to breathe through a ventilator to get enough oxygen.

The family then learned that Amber was in need of a double lung transplant and at the age of 10 she received her new lungs. Amber's mother, Charonda, spent most of her time with Amber at the hospital. "Sometimes when I needed a break, the Ronald McDonald House was a good place to rest," said Charonda. Amber's brother, Aaron, and younger sister, Alanna, would also come and stay at the House with their mother. Amber's family stayed at the House for a total of 81 days while she gained back her strength.