As a Chester County mother walked into the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware with her son, she reminisced on her time there three years ago, writes Nikki DeMentri for CBS News. 

“The first time I walked through the doors here to check in after he was born was the hardest day of my life,” said Catie Mason, mother to now 3-year-old Johnny Grozinski. 

Born in November 2021, Johnny underwent heart surgery at just 4 days old. His parents stayed close by, at the Ronald McDonald House. 

“Ronald McDonald House was a blessing for us to have a place that was right next door to the hospital to be close to him,” Mason said. 

Johnny underwent several procedures and surgeries for the first 18 months of his life. Each time he needed a hospital stay, Mason was able to lean on Ronald McDonald House to be close to her son. The first-time mother was always at her son’s side when she could be, and the house provided a sense of normalcy in a difficult and emotional time. 

Today, Johnny is a thriving and happy 3-year-old boy, living life with his “super heart.” 

Read the full story about Catie Mason and Johnny Grozinski at CBS News.

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