Meet the McAtee Family
When adoptive parents Kerry and Patrick first met Henry, they each wanted to be the first to hold him. The social worker, tears in her eyes, said “No one ever holds him.” Henry had spent his first year of life waiting in a hospital for a family willing to adopt him, and the McAtees opened their hearts and home to him.
Henry was born with Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome, a rare genetic condition, along with Hirschsprung’s disease, which affects his intestines. At age five, he still requires full assistance in care, but his smile lights up a room. “Even when he’s intubated, when he’s awake, he puts his arms out for a hug,” Kerry shared.
The family, who lives in El Dorado County, has made the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House their home away from home. Their most recent stay began in December when Henry required emergency surgery at Sutter Children’s Center. The House provides essential support for the entire family. Patrick splits his time between work and Henry’s bedside, while their son Danny finds stability at the House when hospital restrictions prevent him from visiting his brother.
As Henry continues his journey, the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House remains the family’s anchor, helping them stay close and surround their son with the love he deserves.
