St Jude Patient Mandy Bogart Talks Life at Ronald McDonald House [Video]

Mandy Bogart is currently a St. Jude’s patient. She was nice enough to stop by the studio to chat with us about her experiences with cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She took the time to tell us her experience with being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia type B cell, or otherwise known as ALL. She is so brave as she tells of her experience with cancer, with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her life afterwards.

Mandy explains that when she stayed at St. Jude Children's Hospital for an extended amount of time, she and her family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. She describes it as very 'homey' and 'family oriented'.

The Ronald McDonald House focuses on fostering a family environment, and is specially built to be as home away from home as possible. The families who stay there usually have a treatment that lasts anywhere from a week to three months. Because most of the patients have cancer or infectious diseases, the house has specially designed rooms to keep family and patient together.

Mandy also enjoyed the St. Jude Prom. They put on the huge, beautiful extravaganza for the patients, and that include hair, makes, dresses, and tuxedos. The music, dancing, decorations, and the whole atmosphere is made to feel like a 'real prom' because there is no reason that these kids shouldn't be able to experience that night.

Mandy also points out that being diagnosed with cancer has changed her perspective on life. Where she was once afraid to take chances, that time is long gone. She is no longer afraid to do what she was once afraid of.

Donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital today. Call 1-800-588-1433 or donate online right here. Donating allows the wonderful organization to continue to help families in need no matter what their financial situation might be. As a token of our appreciation, when you donate and become a Partner in Hope, you are entered into our drawing for one of our three Grand Prizes.