Jim Fair
Lilly Clark, middle, is the center of attention today at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Greenville. J.D. and Kate, her brother and sister, enjoyed the afternoon in the playroom.
Jim Fair
Jenny Clark said Lilly is learning to read and is more active and talkative.
Jim Fair
Johnathan Clark watches Lilly make her way with a variety of toys. "It's like He's given us a second miracle," Jonathan said.
Jim Fair
Chip Wilson and Ricky Page, right, of Taylors Windows and Screen were among the crew helping install new windows at the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville.
Her daughter, Lilly, 4, was laughing, playing, climbing on the back of her sister, Kate, and was the life of the party. Lilly seemed oblivious to the path that first brought her to the RMHC
“We can think about tomorrow,” Jeanna said, as her husband, Johnathan, was all smiles watching Lilly play.
Lilly underwent surgery in New York City to remove a brain tumor and is on course for a full recovery. “There’s a waiting time, but the doctors said they got the entire tumor,” Johnathan said."It's like He's given us a second miracle."
Today’s occasion was highlighted by Mark Nichols, owner of Taylors Windows and Screen, donating windows and their installation. Nichols, a friend of the Clarks, came up with his “Windows of Opportunity” to fulfill a need for the RMHC.
“These windows haven’t been replaced since the house was built,” Marti Spencer, Executive Director of the RMHC, said. “With all the equipment the firemen wear today they will be able to come in these windows.”
While Nichols and his crew were working, TV crews captured the occasion that was inspired by the RMHC embracing the Clarks and putting them in touch with a RMH in New York City where they stayed for two weeks.
J.D., Lilly’s older brother, took his role as protector seriously, as he closely watched his sister’s movements in the playroom that quickly became the center of activity.
Lilly’s progress has been stunning, Jeanna said.
“We were told there was only a five percent chance Lilly would remember anything from the surgery forward,” Jeanna said. “We were told she would need sedation every day. That was stress.
“The first couple of days after surgery we tried to test her. One of the first nights Lilly was with us at the Ronald McDonald House, they made pizza. The next morning Lilly said she wants to make pizza again. That was so wonderful to hear.”
“That was the best feeling,” Johnathan said. “It was like he gave us a miracle a second time.”
And Lilly has exhibited the energy and inquisitiveness of most 4-year-olds. Kate can vow for that. “Lilly has a favorite song she sings all the time – ‘I Feel Better’. She loves ‘Annie’ the musical and watches it all the time. She likes Lalaloopsy dolls that are big headed and look like ‘Caroline’”.
J.D. offered, “Lilly likes building blocks and likes to build things.”
“Lilly talks so much now and she is learning to read,” Jeanna said.
Lilly often asked her mother not to sing so loud because it hurt her ears and gave her a headache. Just recently Lilly told her mother: “Mom, you can sing as loud as you want. It doesn’t hurt anymore.
"That's the best thing she could have said to me," Jeanna said.