Eight and half years ago Steve and Becky Marty were told that their son would be born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and would require a heart transplant. Like any new parents the Marty’s had many uncertainties and fears. They left their home in Kennewick, Washington to come to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and anxiously awaited the birth of their son.

On July 2, 1999 their son Samuel was born and was immediately placed on the list for a heart transplant. Steve and Becky stayed at the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House while Samuel stayed at the hospital awaiting a new heart. During their stay at the House Steve and Becky were tempted to hide in their room the entire time, but during their first night in the House Southwest Airlines employees sponsored a barbeque for all the families, allowing them to socialize with some of the other families in the house. This turned out to be just what Steve and Becky needed. They were able to meet many families that night and even talk to a family whose son had received a heart transplant. Steve and Becky were able to ask them questions and hear all about the transplant from parents, just like them. Steve and Becky met many other families during their stay at the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House and formed everlasting bonds.

Samuel received his heart transplant weeks after being born and now at 8 1/2 years old he is doing very well. Steve, Becky, Samuel and the new additions to the Marty family, Daniel and Michael continue to travel from their home in Washington each year for Samuel’s check up appointments. The Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House is happy to provide a home-away-from-home to the Marty family and hundreds more each year.