BOISE — Not everyone spent Christmas at home this year, but kids at the Ronald McDonald house still got presents from Santa.
Leilani Gianchetta, 11, spent this Christmas with her mom at the Ronald McDonald House located at 139 E. Warm Springs Ave. in Boise.
In August, Leilani was diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy, a rare kidney disease that affects the small filters in kidneys and the immune system. There is no cure for C3 glomerulopathy.
The Idaho Ronald McDonald House, which turned 50 this year, is a nonprofit organization that helps house families who have sick children who are frequently hospitalized at St. Luke’s.
”We exist to provide comfort and resources to families with ill or injured children during times of medical need,” Idaho Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Nancee Bakken said. “We really wrap our arms around these families to make sure that they have the resources and the care that they need to focus on what matters the most, which is the health and well-being of their child.”