“We truly would not have been able to get our son the specialized, life-saving care he needed without RMHC’s support. Being from Georgia, the idea of traveling so far for care felt overwhelming—almost impossible—six months ago. And yet, here we are today, so close to the finish line.

Westyn was diagnosed at 23 weeks gestation with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This occurs when the diaphragm does not fully close during development, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity and limit lung growth. As a result, babies with CDH often struggle with lung development and breathing after birth. Westyn’s case was severe and right sided, which is even more rare.

In addition, Westyn was born with a large ventricular septal defect. Instead of the typical four heart chambers, his heart functioned more like three—two upper chambers and one large lower chamber—due to tissue that did not fully form as expected.

Westyn was delivered unexpectedly seven weeks early on September 23, 2025. He was given only a 20% chance of surviving his first month.

Since birth, Westyn has undergone major surgery to reposition his organs and repair his diaphragm with mesh. Along the way, he has faced multiple respiratory challenges due to his underdeveloped right lung. Now, at almost four months old, Westyn is truly thriving. We are hopeful to spend a month or two at home before returning for his open-heart surgery—and we look forward to that next step with so much hope.

We are endlessly grateful for everything the Ronald McDonald House has provided our family. My husband can join me every two weeks so we can be together, and our daughter can visit during school breaks. There is a picture of Westyn with his sister, Alyssa that means the world to me. It was the very first time she ever held him, something she was once terrified she might never get to do. That moment is incredibly special to our family.

The meals, the support and the sense of community have lifted such a heavy burden during an incredibly difficult season. We are so thankful to have had such a wonderful place to call home while fighting for our son’s life.” – Sabrina, Westyn’s mom