My son Lucas was born nine weeks early due to preterm labor. I had never been so scared in my life and I didn't know how I was going to leave my baby at MUSC (The Medical University of South Carolina) when I live over two hours away in Myrtle Beach. Thank God for the Ronald McDonald House that gave me the good news the day I was released from the hospital that they had a room for me. I had never seen a Ronald McDonald House and I had no idea what to expect—needless to say, I was nervous.
I remember pulling up to the big white house and I saw the nice kid's playground out front and then I saw the sign that read Lucas Park. I started to cry because I knew this was where I needed to be for my sweet baby Lucas! I could not believe how nice and wonderful RMHC Charleston was. The kitchen, living space, library, computer room, kid's room and especially the staff was beyond all expectations.
Lucas ended up spending the first 70 days of his life at MUSC. He had to battle pneumonia along with his premature lungs and stomach. I spent 65 days at RMHC Charleston and during that time I met other families that became my family and still are to this day. I had a happy place that my 3-year-old daughter could come and visit me while I took a break from caring for her little brother. I had some of the best meals cooked and served to me especially because they were made with love.
It's crazy to look back at it 6 years later but RMHC Charleston gave me the most wonderful experience during the hardest time of my life. To be able to make that possible is truly a miracle and blessing that I hope to continue to pay back for years to come. Thank you, RMHC Charleston, for keeping my family together and making it possible for me to have a healthy 6-year-old wild little man!
—By Cherie Cebreiros
For information on how you can help support RMHC Charleston families with a future gift, contact Alix Tew at alix@rmhcharleston.org or 843-723-7957 Ext. 303.