Brenton (BJ) Cross is known around Ronald McDonald House Atlanta for his endless energy, his infectious smile, and his dancing skills. He has navigated a complex medical journey since he was just two years old but has remained positive and strong through all that he has faced.
In 2019, doctors diagnosed BJ with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA). This is a rare auto-inflammatory disease, affecting around 10% to 15% of children who have juvenile idiopathic arthritis, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. This diagnosis often leads to other inflammatory diseases, and in 2020, he was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), followed by Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS).
After going to Cincinnati for a study drug, he went into remission from MAS but still faced complications from the ILD and SJIA. Doctors recommended that he undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant, and thankfully, one of BJ’s sisters was a perfect match, so he was able to have the procedure in October 2025.
“That was one of the most difficult times of our lives,” said BJ’s mom Latoya Seaborn. “Just knowing you have a vibrant child with a lot of personality… when he was going through Chemo, it was like someone cut the lights off. He became a different kid.”
When BJ was discharged from the hospital following the procedure, he was required to remain close to his doctors, and he and his family found out they were eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald House Atlanta.
His family was one of the first to move into the new North Druid Hills House, and Latoya shared that BJ was wide-eyed seeing it for the first time. “Coming into the new House for the first time, he was elated. The first night we stayed here, he wouldn’t even go to sleep because he wanted to keep playing.”
Throughout their 85-night-stay at Ronald McDonald House Atlanta, Latoya and her husband Brenton saw major improvements in BJ both physically and mentally. Right before the holidays, he even had enough energy to show off his dance moves with the Atlanta Falcon’s Freddie Falcon at a House event.
“I think the Ronald McDonald House has been a major part of BJ’s recovery,” said Latoya. “Being able to release those happy feelings and giving him a sense of knowing everything is going to be alright.”
March 11, 2026, marks Ronald McDonald House Atlanta’s 47th anniversary. To help us celebrate, a generous Hearts & Hands Society member has agreed to match all donations up to $50,000. This Giving Day, you can make a difference in the lives of children and families like BJ’s. Your donation provides sick or injured children with access to world-class pediatric healthcare and ensures their family stays by their side every step of the way.
