FAMILY PROFILE
Family of Jeremiah Smith
Home: Branson, MO (Taney County)
Due to preeclampsia, Jeremiah was born six weeks early, weighing only 3lbs and 7oz in July of 2018. Though he was tiny, he was a fighter! After the doctors resuscitated him, we heard for the first time (of many) his loud cry. Upon his arrival, he was whisked away to the NICU at Cox Hospital in Springfield. For the first nine days, I was separated from Jeremiah as I was still in the hospital with blood pressure issues. During this time my mind raced trying to figure out how to be close to my baby when I was discharged, since we lived in Branson. Although Branson is only 45 minutes away, when you have a child in the hospital, the distance seems endless. This is where the Ronald McDonald House stepped in. Social workers put me into contact with the Ronald McDonald House and much to my relief, they had room not only for me, but my two oldest kids as well. We were welcomed with open arms by the staff and volunteers. Being able to see Jeremiah and come back to a place that was very much a “home-away-from-home”, was so comforting. It seemed as though their attitude was one of “you’re caring for your infant, let us care for you.” The meals, the conversation, and the solitude to rest was very much needed. I will forever be grateful to the Ronald McDonald House. The compassion, grace, and care that was shown to my family will never be forgotten. They were there for us during one of the most trying times of our lives, and it is such a reassurance to know an organization like this exists to help comfort and show compassion in situations like ours. Thank you so much RMH.
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