From the moment she was born, Faith Edwards had to fight to survive. Now 25 years old, she said she’s thankful to be alive – and to be able to give back.
AUSTIN, Texas — As families reflect on what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, one Austin woman is expressing her gratitude in a powerful way: by volunteering at the very places that helped save her life as a child.
They say faith can move mountains, and for 20-year-old Austin woman Faith Edwards, that’s felt true since the day she was born.
“My life’s been a rollercoaster since I’ve been born, but I’m still pushing,” she said.
Edwards’ fight for survival began before she even took her first breath. Doctors told her family she was essentially “dead on arrival.” She had no heartbeat, no pulse – nothing. After she was resuscitated, the health battles kept coming.
She faced hypertension, hyperthyroidism and eventually Kawasaki disease, which she said felt like “an attack on my heart.” She also suffered kidney failure.
Retired pediatric nephrologist Dr. Phillip Berry remembers treating Edwards through some of her toughest moments.
“She’s come a long way,” he said, recalling early infections and a frightening episode of septic shock shortly after her birth.
For more than three-and-a-half years, Edwards and her family lived within the walls of Austin’s children’s hospital and found stability at the Ronald McDonald House, where she said the support made all the difference.
“They offer toys for your hospital room along with free meals and free housekeeping,” she said. “It’s really just a home away from home.”
Now, she’s giving all of that love back.
Edwards volunteers at Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Ronald McDonald House: the same places that carried her family through the hardest chapter of their lives.
“I always knew I wanted to give back, and it’s such a full circle moment,” she said.
Her volunteer work includes restocking toys, doing laundry, cleaning rooms and – maybe most importantly – listening to families going through what she once endured.
“We have a bunch of families come in all the time … Their stories are pretty intense just like mine,” Edwards said. “I’m grateful to be here giving back to them, able to be a listening ear.”
Thomas Kim, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, said volunteers like her make all the difference.
“Without volunteers, we cannot do what we do – especially individuals like Faith,” he said. “The connection through personal stories makes it even more enriching.”
As Edwards continues her journey, she carries with her the people who lifted her up and honors them by doing the same for others: a full circle moment, powered by love, hope and Faith.
Since opening in 1985, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas has supported nearly 32,000 families across its programs, and the need keeps growing. By 2026, the organization plans to add 51 new guest rooms across multiple locations, expanding its capacity to serve up to 81 families every night.
If Edwards’ story leaves you feeling inspired, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas says it’s always grateful for an extra set of hands. You can learn more about volunteering at rmhc-ctx.org.