Moinan Mundoyo

People build a house, but only love can build a home. The Ronald McDonald House of Galveston is a special home that love built for families to be together so their children can heal, become healthy and happy. It is a place of grace, extreme faith and endless courage.

And speaking of grace, let us introduce to you the miracle of Moinan Mundoyo. Born in rural Kenya, this beautiful 13 year old is one of 6 children. Her father passed away when she was a baby. For a single mother and her family, living conditions were primitive and labor very physical. But life was good, until one very sad day when Moinan was 4 years old. She was playing outside alone, and fell into the cooking fire, where her precious face and body burned for an hour before her brother rescued her. For two weeks this innocent child suffered almost fatally, as there were no doctors or hospitals nearby. Then miraculously, the "flying doctors" came and she was taken to Magadi Hospital a few hours away. Moinan received initial life saving care and was blessed further with her guardian angel, nurse Mary Kinyanjui. Once stabilized enough for further travel, these two new friends flew to London and then the United States. For almost two years, Moinan was hospitalized and underwent extensive surgery and skin grafts with Mary praying at her bedside. She has been an unbelievable guardian and "grandmother"; full of wisdom, faith and love. Grandma Mary has made sure Moinan knows she can do anything she sets her mind to. Their bond is beautiful.

This dynamic duo has become a family, living a special life in their beloved Kenya, where Moinan is a dedicated 6th grade student. She speaks five languages including Swahili, French and very good English. They continue to return to Shriners' Burns Hospital for further surgeries and care, with their highlight being a stay at the Ronald McDonald House. In the beginning Moinan was shy and self conscious, wanting to hide her face. Over time, she has become much more comfortable and now loves our home away from home! Her favorite thing is the "school", where she works on her English and Math, is able to meet new friends and loves helping the small children. Her personality has blossomed, she is self confident and laughs a lot. The day the front photo was taken she had just received her prosthetic arm. She mastered writing her name and numbers within hours (and that is her left hand!) Moinan plans to become a doctor and her sweet dream is to "heal all people". The courage, determination and grace of this young lady have convinced us that all things are possible for her and her guardian angel!

With your donation to our 2010 Annual Appeal, you help make dreams come true. You make sure we can continue to share our "house that love built" with special people like Moinan and Mary.

Thank you very much.