Mason was born at just 29 weeks gestation, making his arrival far earlier than anyone expected. His parents, who had gone in for what they thought would be a routine OB appointment, quickly learned they would be welcoming their baby much sooner than planned. Due to severe preeclampsia, Mason’s mom was flown to ECU Health in Greenville, where doctors hoped to keep her in the hospital for six weeks to give Mason more time to grow. But just one week later, when his heartbeat became difficult to detect, doctors performed an emergency C-section.
Mason was immediately taken to the NICU, where he spent 77 days. “It is so true when people say the NICU is a roller coaster and that when you move 3 steps forward, you also go 5 steps backwards” his mom shared. “The NICU is isolating and so frustrating. Watching your baby fight for their life is devastating, but I am so thankful for the Ronald McDonald House. It was my home away from home for 3 months” mom said. “I live almost 2 hours away so having that opportunity to stay that close to my baby is something I will always be thankful for. The NICU is scary, but having somewhere to rest aside from the hospital gave some relief.”
During those three months, the Ronald McDonald House offered comfort for Mason’s family. “The rooms were cozy, almost like home and the volunteers who cooked meals for us were always warm and welcoming” his mom said. “I’ve never had to experience anything like this, but when you do and you’re greeted with the warm welcomes of the staff and volunteers there it makes things a bit more bearable.”
Having a place to rest and recharge made a world of difference. “If you’re given the opportunity to stay here to be closer to your child, I’d recommend this house again and again.” she said. “My heart goes out to all the parents going through the NICU journey, it’s isolating and frustrating, but these babies are some of the strongest babies out there and they are definitely tiny but mighty. One day, it will be just a memory as mine is, but I’ll always remember what a wonderful experience we had with the Ronald McDonald House.♡”
