Our family received our daughter Natalie’s diagnosis before she was born, and we were terrified. As first-time parents, we suddenly found ourselves facing the unknown and were told we’d need to relocate to a children’s hospital of our choice. After countless sleepless nights researching the best place for her care, we knew Cincinnati Children’s Hospital was where we needed to be. At 32 weeks pregnant, I relocated from home (four hours away) to Cincinnati for ongoing monitoring and a series of tests. During that time, Ronald McDonald House became our refuge. In total, I stayed there for three months before finally being able to return home with our newborn.

When Natalie was born, fear became all we knew. Although we had learned of her diagnosis prenatally, nothing could have prepared us for what was ahead. Natalie has lymphatic and vascular malformations that affect her left chest wall and extend down through her hand. This condition looks different for every patient, but in Natalie’s case, the malformations are extensive and complex. Natalie spent six long weeks in the NICU. After her discharge, we were finally able to be under one roof at the Ronald McDonald House, and just a few weeks later, we got to take our baby home for the first time. It was such a joyful and emotional milestone after everything she had endured.

Since then, Natalie has had two life flights back to the hospital for admission. She’s had many appointments and a couple of procedures, and every time we return, the Ronald McDonald House is there for us, always greeting us with a smile and open arms. We know Natalie’s future will include more procedures, appointments, and challenges along the way. We stay with Ronald McDonald whenever feasible. This has alleviated the costs of finding lodging elsewhere, food, and allows us to focus on what matters most to us – our Natalie. 

When people donate their time or resources to the Ronald McDonald House, it truly makes a difference for families like ours. It provides comfort, stability, and hope when life feels uncertain. We are forever grateful for the love and kindness we’ve received and look forward to returning to the House in the future, a place that has truly become our home away from home.

Becca