My name is Brettlyn Geary, and my husband is Ben. We have a two-year-old named Brennan, and Waylon, our sweet little preemie baby, is now six months old. Our story began back in January of 2025. We went to our first OB appointment, and because of other circumstances, we couldn’t go again until the 20-week mark. At that appointment, they said, “Wow, your baby’s really small, we’re going to send you to a specialist just to make sure everything’s okay.” From there, we began weekly appointments in Boise, almost a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way. It was a lot.
At our 27-week appointment, the ultrasound tech said, “I’m going to get the doctor really quick.” We knew something wasn’t right. The doctor came in and said, “Okay, you’re getting admitted to the hospital, we’re seeing some things we’re concerned about.” The placenta wasn’t working properly, and blood was running backwards through the baby. It was terrifying. We didn’t know, would it be two days until we met our son? Would it be tonight? Would his heart stop? There were so many unknowns, all at once. They gave me steroid injections to help keep him in as long as possible, and thankfully, those helped. We were able to stay in antepartum for 21 days, and I was on bed rest the entire time. I had a very scary delivery. I heard him cry once before they started resuscitation. He looked good, but he was only 30 weeks—and just 1 lb. 11 oz. He was so tiny that doctors weren’t even sure when his development had stopped.
During my 21 days in antepartum, we had heard about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho from the hospital staff, so it wasn’t a surprise when we were referred to stay there. After my C-section, I stayed in the hospital for a few days while Ben went to the House to get everything set up. When I arrived, there were flowers waiting in the room—it was such a kind, comforting touch.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho means so, so much to me. I just love the people. During the week, it was just me, while my husband and son came up on weekends. It was lonely at times—going to the hospital, holding your baby, and not knowing what the day would bring. Some days, Waylon would stop breathing four, five, six times and turn blue. I would go back to the House completely drained, but as soon as I walked in, people greeted me with, “Hi, how are you?” Checking in every single day. That care and kindness did wonders for my mental health. I wasn’t just stuck in a hotel room alone.
The volunteers were amazing—cooking, cleaning, making sure we had good food. I didn’t have to think about anything. The House gave me so much, especially during Waylon’s 70-day stay in the NICU. It helped me regain my independence. I’ll never forget two weeks after Waylon was born, I walked up and down the stairs for the first time. I got to the bottom and thought, I just did that!
When it was time to leave, I was scared. Seventy days is a long time to have people caring for you, making your food, and surrounding you with support. Getting back to normal life felt intimidating. I remember talking to Renee, who said, “Girl, you’re fine. You’re going to be okay. You’ve got this!” I was like, okay, she believes in me. She told me, I can, I think I can do it now.
Now, our family feels whole. Developmentally, Waylon is doing amazing! At six months old, he weighs 10 and a half pounds and is measuring closer to five months developmentally, which is incredible.
I feel like this could be an experience that pulls people apart very easily! You’re under so much stress, you’re far apart, and you’re going through something so difficult! But for us, it brought us closer together. Ben could only come to the House on weekends because of work, so we made every moment count. He stepped up 1,000,010%. I didn’t have to worry about anything at home, our son Brennan was fine, the house was fine, work was fine, because I trusted Ben completely. That trust and support strengthened us, and I truly believe the House made that possible.
The nurses and doctors were also amazing—I got to know them personally. Sometimes I’d see them out and about, and they’d recognize me by name. That felt so special.
We’ve been through some really hard times, but I’ve learned that faith and connection can carry you through anything. And for us, the Ronald McDonald House was a huge part of that journey.
~ Geary Family | Heyburn, ID | 70 Nights at the House
Help provide a home-away-from-home for more families like the Geary family!
Thank you for being a part of our story. We must continue to expand our impact and reach even more families with the care and compassion they deserve. Your support empowers everything we do, and we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us.
Your donation makes it possible for families to stay close during times when they most need it. DONATE NOW!