KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Families of children evacuated from New Orleans to Children's Mercy Hospital are expressing their thanks.

"It was just a blessing that we came here," said Angela Dominic.

It has been a hectic week for Dominic and her son, Tyler, 10.

"Thank goodness this hospital came and rescued us, because my son needs his treatment and proper nutrition for his good," Dominic said.

Tyler needs a kidney transplant and requires dialysis every other day. Dominic said that she started worrying about her son's treatment and health as soon as Hurricane Katrina hit. She said conditions at New Orleans Children's Hospital quickly deteriorated.

"They ran out of water and juices for the children and the kids were scared. Things were just out of control," Dominic said.

In all, 24 children were flown from New Orleans to Children's Mercy. Of the two dozen children, nine have no parents or family member with them. Not only are they in a strange city being treated for a major health problem, they are alone.

"What we have to do is not only be their physicians, their nurses, but to be their friend, to be their surrogate parents while they are here and that's what we try to do," Dr. Brad Warady said.

Dominic said that the care at the hospital has been great.

"They opened their arms to our children and that's what they need, a lot of hugs and caring," Dominic said.

As for the future, Dominic said that she wants to stay here as long as possible. For now, she sleeps in Tyler's hospital room.

"I lost everything. But I'm just glad I'm a survivor," Dominic said.

Children's Mercy Hospital said that the children and their families can stay at the hospital for the foreseeable future as the children continue to be treated.