Born at McDonald's: Girl Returns to Celebrate Her 10th Birthday

On October 11, 2014, Eric and Clare Evenson, along with Clare's mother, were en route to a birthday party when they stopped at a McDonald's so Clare, then 28 weeks pregnant, could use the restroom. To their astonishment, Clare went into spontaneous labor in the bathroom, and Eleanor was born 12 weeks premature. Eric, his mother-in-law, and a police officer rushed to assist in the unexpected delivery. Eleanor was later diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare chromosomal condition, necessitating multiple surgeries and ongoing therapies.

Despite the challenges associated with her condition, Eleanor has shown remarkable determination. Now a fourth-grader, she continues to engage in physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Her father, Eric, expressed immense pride in her progress, noting, "Every single thing she does, she works very, very hard, and she's a joy." He also highlighted the positive impact she has on those around her, with teachers and peers alike appreciating her presence.

Fulfilling a longtime wish, Eleanor's 10th birthday was celebrated at the same McDonald's where she was born. The event was attended by family, friends, two of her childhood nurses, and Officer Angi Kruyer, one of the first responders from that day. The restaurant staff, some of whom were present during her birth, were overjoyed to see Eleanor thriving. Melissa Kennedy, the owner of the Hugo McDonald's, remarked, "Eleanor's story has become a special part of our restaurant's history, and it was an honor to help make this milestone a memorable one for her."