Katie’s story begins in a small village in China, where she lived until she was two years old. In 2010, she was adopted by a loving family from West, Texas, and brought to Lubbock. Her childhood was shaped by her Christian upbringing, which instilled in her values of honesty, respect, and gratitude. Her parents modeled hard work, faith, and unwavering support, qualities that continue to carry her forward today.

At just two years old, Katie was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic condition also known as brittle bone disease. For Katie, the diagnosis meant a childhood filled with hospital visits, treatments, and more than 15 surgeries. Her bones are extremely fragile, but her spirit has proven anything but. The family has made countless trips to Dallas over the past 14 years, often six or more times each year, with many visits requiring weeks of stay for surgeries and transfusions at Scottish Rite for Children.

For every trip, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has been their second home. It is where Katie and her family have found consistency, comfort, and a sense of belonging. “The House feels like home,” Katie says. “It’s happy, it’s helpful, and it’s filled with people who understand what you’re going through.” What might feel overwhelming or lonely to many families has instead become manageable because they have a place to rest, recharge, and be together.

Some of Katie’s favorite memories of RMHD are not about the procedures or the hospital at all, but about the friendships she’s made within its walls. Families from all over the world gather at the House, and Katie has found joy in connecting with people who share similar experiences, even if their medical journeys look different. She also treasures time with Shiloh, the House’s beloved therapy dog, whose cheerful wag and calming presence have lifted her spirits countless times over the years.

Now 17 and preparing to graduate high school, Katie is looking ahead with determination and excitement. She has already taken her first steps into the world of entrepreneurship, launching her own face painting business. It is more than a way to earn money. For Katie, it is a way to bring joy to children, blending her love of creativity with her desire to give back. She hopes to build the business into something lasting, and she knows education will be the key.

This fall, she will begin online business courses at South Plains College, working toward her associate degree in Business. Her studies will be supported in part by a Wilma Potter Scholarship, provided through Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. The scholarship will cover important expenses for her college education, allowing her to focus on learning while also managing her health. “The support makes such a difference,” Katie shares. “It helps me take the next step, not just in school, but in building my future.”

Katie’s outlook is rooted in gratitude. She recognizes that life with osteogenesis imperfecta is not easy. It means setbacks, medical challenges, and uncertainty. Yet she continues to move forward with optimism, guided by her faith and the strength of her family. “Life with OI isn’t always easy,” she says, “but my family has always supported me, and Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has given us a place to rest and feel at home when we needed it most.”

Her story is a powerful reminder of how much community matters. Families like Katie’s show the strength that blossoms when support systems come together. Hospitals provide the medical care, families provide love and resilience, and RMHD fills the crucial space in between, offering rest, nourishment, and encouragement.

Katie is proof that while bones may be fragile, the human spirit can be unbreakable. Her determination, her optimism, and her willingness to keep giving back make her an inspiration to everyone she meets. For the thousands of families who will pass through Ronald McDonald House of Dallas this year, her journey is a beacon of hope and a reminder that with love and community, there is always a way forward.