OCTOBER 2016
From Our House to Yours
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY NEWSLETTER
FAMILY STORY: BUSH FAMILY At just five hours old, Easton Bush was
(Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy) which
her and her husband feel welcome during
airlifted to the Sanford Children’s hospital
is a type of brain damage that occurs when
their time at the Ronald McDonald House.
in Fargo to begin receiving care. Easton
an infant’s brain does not receive enough
Furthermore, Rachel and Travis loved
began to experience distress at the end of
oxygen and blood. The cooling process of
how the volunteers would bring in meals
his delivery and was born with his umbilical
placing an ice cap on an infant’s head must
for everyone. They appreciated how they
cord around his neck. The nurses were able
start within six hours of birth and last 72
needn’t worry about finding something to
to get him breathing again and proceeded
hours. While on their way to Fargo, Mom
eat after an exhausting day at the hospital.
to carry out the standard newborn baby
and Dad were notified of a place
tests on Easton. The tests revealed his
to stay at the Ronald McDonald
Apgar scores and acidic levels were both
House just a mere five blocks
low. These findings coupled with the cord
away from the hospital. Rachel
wrapped around his neck qualified him for
and Travis Bush were invited into
an Ice Cap. Easton was diagnosed with HIE
the Ronald McDonald House, a quiet, home like environment that maintained a support system in
“I will be forever grateful for everything they did for me & my family”
how other families going through a similar experience with their children were also staying at the house. Everything about the house was
The Bush family was able to go home two
so great. Location, warm bed, cleanliness,
weeks after Easton was born. During that
hot showers and great meals provided,
two-week period Rachel and Travis were
Rachel said. In addition to the supportive
with Easton as much as possible. Doctors
environment of the house, Rachel said
at Sanford advised us that we should just
the staff was accommodating and made
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