When Abbey and Keegan Keith were expecting their second child, they never imagined they would be spending over a month far from home in Toledo. Living more than an hour away in Harrod, Ohio, the Keiths were preparing for a local delivery in Lima when Abbey was admitted at 30 weeks with severe preeclampsia.
Because babies born under 34 weeks require specialized care, Abbey was transferred to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, where their daughter, Quinn, arrived at 31 weeks and 5 days — weighing 3 lbs. 3 oz. and just 16 inches long.
Quinn faced the challenges many premature babies experience, including apnea of prematurity, which required breathing support and careful monitoring. Her 38-day NICU stay was focused on helping her grow, breathe, and eventually eat on her own.
With such a long and uncertain hospital stay, the Keiths needed a place to stay close by. That’s when Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio stepped in.
“We were so grateful we could stay close to our daughter without worrying about how we’d afford a hotel for 35 nights,” Abbey shared. “Even just having meals provided or a quick snack made such a difference. The House lifted the stress off our shoulders so we could focus on Quinn.”
The Keiths also brought their 3-year-old son, Miles, to stay with them during part of their time. The playroom and playground at the House provided a much-needed outlet for him during a confusing time.
“It was hard for Miles not to see both parents at once, but when we were all together at the House, he loved playing outside and inside. That time together meant so much,” Abbey said.
Small acts of kindness stood out to the Keith family. One memory was when a volunteer hairstylist stayed late to give Keegan a much-needed haircut after a long day in the NICU.
“It may seem small, but it showed us how much everyone cared. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond.”
Today, Quinn is thriving — almost walking and meeting her milestones. For the Keiths, the Ronald McDonald House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a home filled with generosity and compassion.
“Without the House, one of us would have been in the NICU while the other stayed elsewhere. We couldn’t have managed the financial or emotional strain of being apart. RMHC gave us the chance to be together and focus on what mattered most — Quinn.”
Abbey’s message to NICU families: “Trust the nurses and the staff caring for your baby. It’s hard to let go, but they are your biggest advocates.”
And her message to supporters: “Thank you. Before we stayed, I didn’t realize how much this place means to families. Your donations, your time, your care — it all matters. It makes the hardest days easier.”
