Hello, my name is Luca André, and this is my story.
It all started on December 24, 2024, when my parents were involved in a car accident. My mother was only three months pregnant at the time. Due to the injury she sustained, she began to experience complications. Her pregnancy went from a normal, peaceful pregnancy to a high-risk one. There were constant doctor’s appointments until February 17, 2025, when she was admitted to the hospital in Boise. Both my parents and the doctors expected me to arrive at 32 weeks, but due to life’s circumstances, God’s plan was different, and I was born very small, and with other complications on March 22, 2025.
My mother was discharged from the hospital on March 26. It was very painful for them to have to leave the hospital without me. But thanks to the team of nurses and social workers who told my parents about “Casa Ronalda,” a place they’d never heard of before, they could now be near me.
Once my mom arrived at the House, they greeted her with gifts and showed her the room where she would be staying. Even though we weren’t together, it was gratifying to know that she could come see me every day, and that’s exactly what happened. My parents were there for me every step of the way!
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho House opened its doors to me and my husband when we needed it most. Everyone was a great support for us while we were there. My husband would stay at the House when he wasn’t back home working in Ontario. The people were always kind and attentive to whatever we might need. We are very grateful to the team, and to all the volunteers who came and prepared meals and desserts for families.
Our stay at the House was approximately two months, and even though Luca was still in the NICU, we were always there. When he was discharged on July 8, we had many mixed emotions including happiness and fear for everything that awaited us. We are very grateful to the entire medical team and even though Luca is at home, moving forward and taking small steps, we still have a long way to go. But we thank God he’s a very strong and happy boy. We are very blessed!
Thanks to RMHC of Idaho, we know that their doors are still open in case we need them tomorrow!
~Castro Garcia Family | Ontario, OR | 57 Nights at the House
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