The Ronald McDonald House is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child—not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night.
In August of 2021, Stella made an early entrance at 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound 0.9 ounces. Stella spent 4 months in the NICU. During that time, her parents, Michelle and Nick, stayed at RMHC Charleston surrounded by the love and care that our staff and volunteers offer every day.
Just before Stella was born, Michelle and Nick started a much-needed vacation. Things went smoothly, but that was soon to change. While in Charleston, Michelle was diagnosed with preeclampsia during her 23rd week of pregnancy and was immediately admitted to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital where she delivered Stella by emergency c-section.
Stella was placed on multiple different ventilators and had several procedures before she was stable enough to be flown back to Knoxville, TN. During this time, her parents stayed close by at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston where they could take a break, sleep, cry and in Michelle’s case, pump milk for her baby.
After four months, Stella was ready to be discharged, and this wonderful family went home. But they haven’t forgotten RMHC Charleston. As Michelle said, “Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston made a horribly stressful situation so much easier to handle. We are forever grateful for the House.”
Today, Stella is a happy 2-year-old weighing over 20 pounds!
“We all hope we never need to utilize RMHC Charleston, but for the thousands of families that do, you can show them how much you care by making a donation today.”
With Sincere Gratitude,
Alix Tew