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by Casey Rowley
Chris Nehls received experimental treatments which included living in a plastic bubble, to cure his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was only 9 years old. Now at 41, Chris has recently moved to Santa Clarita and is trying to make an impact in as many lives as possible. Through his treatment as a child, Chris received care from Dr. Stuart Siegal, one of the founders of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC).
His experiences at the RMHCSC helped him recover after living in a plastic bubble.
Being the second patient to go through experimental treatments at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, Chris reflects back on what life was like. “At the time you don’t really realize what is happening, all you know is that it is part of the treatment they are using to try and make you better.”
As he gets older, Chris looks at his experience a little differently. “As time goes by, I stop and think to myself, ‘wow, I really did go through all of that.’ It seems to affect me differently as I get older and the severity of it all and what my parents must have been going through.”
He spoke about not being able to have any physical contact with his parents for almost three months. His parents were allowed to come in the bubble, but had to wear a fully covered “space suit,” only exposing their eyes.
Now a parent, Chris looks at the situation a little differently. “I realize how it must have hurt not having control over an illness that could be taking away your child.”
Fortunately, Dr. Siegal and others created the first Ronald McDonald House in L.A. Chris was able to stay in the house and receive much needed support to help him after treatments as a child.
“The experience at the Ronald McDonald House and Camp is one of acceptance. Everyone there is going through the same or at least something similar to what you are going through and no one stares, judges or makes comments that can hurt your feelings.”
The house helps parents of diagnosed children as well. Chris said, “The parents are able to have conversations and share their frustrations and fears wtth other families who are experiencing similar situations, it helps them realize there is life after the hospital and all the other horrible things they have to go through.”
Chris now devotes his time back into the charity by volunteering and working for the Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. Chris said he enjoys talking to the kids on their level about common experiences with chemotherapy and hospital stays. “I think they liked seeing that they could, one day, share their experiences with kids, much like I do.” Chris thanks the Ronald McDonal House and Dr. Siegal for his experiences and he now hopes to impact the lives of young patients. “Dr. Siegal has been a great doctor, mentor and friend to so many kids and families.” For 33 years, Chris has known Dr. Siegal and continues to look at him as a second father figure.
Chris’ experiences have shaped the way he lives his life today. “Going through what I did at the age of 9 impacts your life forever no matter when it happened, what you had, or how long you were treated with chemo. The people you meet and the doctors that treat you will be a part of your life forever.”
There are many ways to volunteer and get involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities.. For additional information, please visit www.rmhcsc.org.
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