When Roger and Tracy Clark’s 22-year-old daughter, Summer, was driving home on May 5, 2025, their ordinary day took a devastating turn. After losing consciousness behind the wheel, she was found unresponsive and rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered she had experienced a seizure caused by a frontal lobe brain mass. “I remember being in shock, scared, and trying to hold back the tears,” Tracy shared.
Summer was transferred to Erlanger, where she underwent brain surgery just two days later. The biopsy revealed a Grade 3 glioma, requiring six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. “We live about an hour and a half from Erlanger, so I knew we had to be closer,” Tracy said. That’s when she was connected with Ronald McDonald House® Greater Chattanooga. “The staff were so helpful, kind, and supportive, and that made us feel at home during one of the most difficult times in our family.”
“It was so convenient to walk across the road to her appointments,” Tracy said. “She was also sick from chemo, so being close and not having to face interstate traffic for three hours a day was such a blessing.” The meals, snacks, and support of the staff provided comfort, stability, and relief. “During a season of life when you don’t know what tomorrow holds, your family is your greatest support. Not only did we have our immediate family nearby, we had an extended RMH family that gave their all in helping us make it through.” Summer added, “It wasn’t just a house, it was a home filled with love and understanding. I can honestly say that the Ronald McDonald House helped save my life because it gave me the stability and encouragement I needed to keep fighting.”
