Although just six months old, Clayton Black has been in and out of the hospital multiple times in his short life. When his parents, Cameron and Ashlynn, were told during pregnancy that baby Clay had hydrocephalus, they knew their son was facing a rough start. Due to his diagnosis, Clayton was born at UNC Hospital so that he could immediately have a shunt placed to drain the fluid off his brain.
Mom and Dad and six-year-old big sister, Carly, were elated when Clayton was finally released from the PICU and the family could go home, yet baby Clay’s medical journey wasn’t over.
As recently as February, little Clayton has been struggling to keep his heart rate and temperature regulated so the family has made several trips back to UNC Children’s Health as they try to determine what is causing his heart rate to flip flop so quickly.
Since the Blacks live about two hours south of UNC Children’s Hospital in rural Richmond County near the South Carolina border, the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill has been a lifeline for the family. Located just one mile from the hospital, the Chapel Hill House provides shuttles to and from the hospital, warm meals, comfortable rooms, caring staff and volunteers, and a community of supportive parents undergoing their own medical battles.
Like many families, they have missed worked and put their life on hold while they stay close to their sick child. Little Clay is a fighter and a joy to those who love him. Clayton’s father, Cameron, says it best, “I don’t know where we would be without this place (Ronald McDonald House). Being from two hours away, having another child and traveling back and forth while occasionally still trying to work a 12-hour shift when I can, hasn’t been easy. This place has helped tremendously!”
Clayton’s family has become beloved members of the Chapel Hill Ronald McDonald House family during their stays there, so we were all thrilled when they were chosen to be represented by players in the 2026 McDonald’s All American games. Incoming UNC recruit, Maximo Adams and Duke recruit, Bella Flemings, are playing their games to honor and support baby Clay and the family.
Dad, Cameron says, “Having McDonald’s All American players playing for my son, is such an honor for me and my family. We want to give each player a huge thank you! This means so much to us!”
