Addison McWherter’s Story: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Published on August 23, 2024
Addison McWherter and her parents, Adriana and David, have stayed at Family House off and on since Addie was diagnosed with high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma last September. When Addison was diagnosed after months of four different doctors, two emergency room visits, and lots of waiting and confusion, Adriana said “her heart just sank.” As soon as she was diagnosed, Addison and her family traveled from Salinas to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital to start treatment immediately.
“We heard about Family House as soon as we got to UCSF, and it was the biggest weight off our shoulders to have somewhere to stay,” Adriana said. “It feels like home – it’s the comfort, the support, having someone to chat with during scary times.”
Through chemotherapy, tumor removals, two bone marrow transplants, radiation and immunotherapy, Addie has stayed her spunky self. Our front desk staff are some of her best friends, and when asked what she likes about staying at Family House, she said “I feel safe here.”
Addison recently participated in the Family House Fashion Show with Old Navy, strutting her stuff on the runway (with her mom, too!). “She loves it here,” Adriana said. “When she’s at home, she’s constantly asking when we’ll be going back to Family House.”
Addison is currently on an immunotherapy treatment and doing well. “She’s a tremendous fighter.”
This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing stories of fighters like Addison and their families staying with us. Support kids and families like Addison’s this September.
Family House San Francisco is an independent non-profit organization led by a professional staff and board of directors dedicated to providing residential services free of charge to qualifying families. We rely solely on the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, and foundations.