I have lived in the Savannah , GA for 17 years, but am originally from Florida. My ex husband, Jose and I have 8-year-old twins,  Sophia and Pepe. Sophia and Jose 'Pepe' were born at Memorial Hospital at 26 weeks (Sophia weighed only 1lb 14 oz. and Pepe was 2 lbs. 2 oz.) and stayed in the NICU for 2 ½ months. During their stay, Pepe got very sick and he contracted meningitis. After several treatments, Pepe was able to beat the odds, but the infection damaged his brain significantly and he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This was the beginning of a long journey of doctor’s visits, surgeries and hospital stays.

Pepe has had two surgeries in Atlanta, one which required him to stay in the hospital for a week. Unfortunately, due to capacity constraints, we were not able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta, so we had to crunch up in the hospital room alternating recliner and cot for the week while Sophia stayed back in Pooler with her grandmother.

A few weeks later, Pepe had to undergo unexpected brain surgery, this time at Memorial Hospital. These two hospital stays were different. We were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald House in Savannah; our home away from home for the next several weeks. Experiencing both hospital stays so close, one with and the other without the house is eye opening. It is easy to underestimate a hot meal and a warm comfortable bed until you don't have it. Especially when you have to deal with so many other challenges; your child’s health, keeping things as normal as possible for your other children and continuing to work and provide for your family. Being greeted and chatting with staff and volunteers, having peace of mind of not worrying about your spouse having to drive exhausted late at night from the hospital, keeping the family together and being able to share stories with other parents are some of the blessings we got from staying at the house.

Unless you have lived through a similar situation, it is very hard to appreciate how important the Ronald McDonald House mission is. On behalf of all the families that have received this support, we would like to thank the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire staff, leadership and volunteers for everything you do. 

We are asking for your help in reaching our goal of $3,000 which will provide a family to stay for a month at The Ronald McDonald House. 

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