Benefitting
FAMILY PROFILE
Tucker Family Home: Rolla, MO (Phelps County)
Our first experience with RMHC happened in 2016 after the birth of our first son. I was a high-risk pregnancy, but was assured that our son, Anderson, could be born at a local hospital, needing no NICU. However, that was not the case, and after an emergency C-section, some abnormalities on Anderson were found. He later required surgery to correct an obstructed airway and cleft palate. During a time when we needed it most, the Ronald McDonald House was available to us. We did not know much about the services they could provide until we lived it ourselves. When we became pregnant with our second son, Benjamin, we were nervous about the outcome of this next birthing experience. We asked ourselves, “Will our son be born normal this time?” If not, “What can we do?” Living 100 miles from Springfield, to deliver at a high-risk pregnancy care center with a NICU available was difficult. When we found that a Ronald McDonald House was just a few hundred feet from labor and delivery, we were relieved. The House made our dream of delivering our son at a higher care center possible. It is challenging and stressful to remain away from home for an extended amount of time while trying to care for yourself and others. However, the Ronald McDonald House is better than home. When you are facing a difficult time, it is helpful to talk with others going through some of the same challenges, and the support is crucial. As a family, our favorite part of the stay is getting to know those who graciously come in and provide an evening meal, and the conversation with others lifts your spirits. After two weeks of staying at RMH, Benjamin was born. He was a happy, healthy, 8.0 lbs. and 21.5 inches long. Fortunately, no abnormalities needing treatment were found, and we were able to return home two days later. We thank the Ronald McDonald House and each and every one of their staff for making our experience the best it could be at the time.
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