AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- The annual Border Bowl serves a charitable cause by directing all its earnings to the Ronald McDonald House in Augusta. This facility provides complimentary accommodations for families while their children receive medical care at the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

Each year, a special family is chosen to participate in the ceremonial coin toss, offering an opportunity to learn about their personal journey.

At the Ronald McDonald House, you are likely to encounter 10-year-old Addy Knuckols immersed in her favorite activities.

“Gymnastics, coloring, playing outside, hunting,” she lists with enthusiasm.

Addy entered the world just outside Atlanta in 2015.

But one year after coming into the world, her mom Kesha started noticing problems while nursing her. 

“She was having a lot of stomach pain and bloating, so they took her off the breast milk. It took almost 6 months to find a formula she could tolerate, and that’s where they put it as a milk allergy. But, come to find out, it was so much more,” said Knuckols.

Doctors later diagnosed Addy with Juvenile Arthritis, among other issues with her gastrointestinal system.

For months, the Knuckols family struggled finding the right formula and proper care for the little girl.

Her mom describes it as the wrong kind of merry-go-round. 

“A lot of trial and error, and unfortunately a lot of putting her through uncomfortable situations and making her miserable. And in turn, made all of us miserable,” she added.

Looking for an alternative, a family friend told the Knuckols about the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta.

Despite the 2-and-a-half-hour drive, the family took their car down I-20.

8 years later, they call it one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. 

“It’s amazing to have, as we call it, our home away from home. We know we have somewhere warm, dry to lay our heads. It’s safe. The staff and everyone here is always welcoming, open arms, want to know how everybody’s doing,” Knuckols said.

Today, Addy continues meeting with specialty doctors at the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

But this year is extra special, as she recently found out she’ll be doing the coin toss before the big game.

“We were upstairs talking to Mr. David, and he asked us if we could go. I was very excited and I wanted to go,” Addy said. “I don’t know, I’m really excited about all of it.”

Her mom has this message to parents about their experience at the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta.

“As a parent, you are your child’s advocate. If you feel something is off, keep digging for answers. Don’t ever stop,” said Knuckols.