NewsRadio Savannah and our sponsors The Dewitt Tilton Group and Primrose Schools introduces you to the Barret-Jenkins family and their Ronald McDonald House Of The Coastal Empire experience:
Nick was 12 years old when we received the devastating news that he had brain cancer. Nick had always been outgoing and active, fishing and hunting with a love of playing video games. So, when he took a step back from all the activities he loved, it was obvious something was wrong. Nick first got sick in 2018 when he was eleven years old. He started off showing signs of stomach bugs but his symptoms just lingered on. After 6 months of doctor visits and a 40 lb weight loss, Nick was finally diagnosed with a brain tumor after a CT scan. It was the most terrifying news I've ever received.
Nick underwent his first surgery on his brain in May of 2019. Soon after surgery, we had an official diagnosis, a rare form of brain and spinal fluid cancer called Anaplastic Ependymoma Grade 3. Everything happened so fast, I didn't have time to really think about what that would mean for the near future. For the next three months, Nick would need to be in Savannah for radiation treatments over an hour away from our home.
It was during this time that we were introduced to the Ronald McDonald House. We spent the next 3 months there while Nick underwent 33 radiation treatments to his brain. We walked into the home feeling helpless, tired, and alone, but that feeling did not last. We were greeted with open arms and a myriad of a support group that didn't end when our stay was over. The Ronald McDonald House was more than just a place to lay our heads during the most challenging times of our lives; When we felt the most fearful, defeated, and helpless, they stepped in to give us a home full of warmth, love, and a forever family.
Four and a half years later, Nick's cancer unfortunately returned twice in his spine back to back. It was devastating news, but this time we knew that we were not alone. We had family in Savannah, and a home to go to when we needed it. The weight that the Ronald McDonald house lifted off our family is something we couldn't ever thank them enough for. Our family couldn't be more blessed to be a part of theirs.
How to help:
⏰ Accepting monetary donations between Now - December 15th, 2025
📍 Please deliver all cash, check, and gift card donations directly to iHeartMedia Savannah, 245 Alfred Street Savannah, GA 31408
💳Forms of donations accepted:
- Click here to make an online donation to the RMH. Add "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Checks made out to Ronald McDonald House with "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Visa, Master Card, AmEx or Target cards.
- Cash
Sponsored by The Dewitt Tilton Group and Express Employment! and Primrose Schools