We were pregnant with Elias, and as far as we were aware, our pregnancy was normal and healthy. Then, in December, I got really, really sick. I thought it was just a major respiratory infection and went to a normal pregnancy checkup. When they took my blood pressure in the clinic, it was so high that my doctor said, “I don’t know how you’re standing right now.” I was admitted into the ER in La Grande, and after some blood work, we learned I was headed for organ failure due to HELLP syndrome. From that point, we were life-flighted to Boise.
Elias was born at 25 weeks and six days, weighing just 1 lb. 7 oz. But outside of that, he was strong. For how underdeveloped he was, he was even able to breathe on his own for a little while before needing interventions that most premature babies go through. We were told to get comfortable—because with a premature baby, the journey could be a few months or it could be many, many months. It was scary not knowing how long we’d be away from home. I was still in the hospital recovering when a social worker told us about the Ronald McDonald House.
When you’re in crisis—because having a premature baby is absolutely a crisis, having a place to land is a lifesaver. We had a mortgage to pay and animals at home, but because we weren’t paying outrageous hotel costs, we could keep up with our bills and hold onto our home. We were just blown away by the House. We had a safe place to stay with an amazing room, clean bed, a warm shower, meals to eat, and all these wonderful amenities. It was such a comfort!
And when your child is fighting for their life, you’re pulled away from your community, away from your comfort zone. The Ronald McDonald House steps in and becomes part of your community. The staff, volunteers, and even other families quickly became our support. You bond so intimately and so quickly in the face of devastation! It was just such a beautiful thing to have shoulders to cry on, or people to celebrate the big milestones with, even though, we were perfect strangers in the beginning. But quickly, you’re seeing each other every day, through the ups and the downs and shared experiences. They just swept all our anxiety under the rug and just made our journey with Elias so much smoother! We truly felt very supported the entire time.
We ended up staying in two Ronald McDonald Houses due to Elias’ health issues. He has bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and complications from prematurity. We stayed at the RMHC of Idaho House for 100 days, and when his medical team in Boise had reached the limits of what they could provide, we transferred to Columbus, Ohio, for the rest of his care. It was really incredible, because Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho helped orchestrate and lay some foundation for us to stay across the country at a sister House.
Thankfully, our visits to the Ronald McDonald House in Boise now aren’t emergencies. With Elias’ bronchopulmonary dysplasia and ongoing care needs, we return to Boise every couple of months for checkups and routine appointments. Each time, we stay at the House—and it’s such a blessing. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho House truly has become our home-away-from-home.
~Andrews Family | La Grande, OR | 121 Nights at the House
Help provide a home-away-from-home for more families like the Andrews 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!