Camden, MI — The Harter family, comprising Ashleigh and Jonah, stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for 109 nights in 2019, while their son, Brantley, recovered in the NICU. Living over an hour away, their story is one of hope, fear, and an overwhelming gratitude that they wish to share.
When Ashleigh was pregnant at 27 weeks and was experiencing high blood pressure. On April 2nd, a day that started like any other, she began feeling unwell and had a severe headache. Her doctor immediately sent her to the hospital due to extremely high blood pressure. Ashleigh was admitted at 27 weeks pregnant, and as soon as she arrived, doctors began giving medicine and running tests on her. The goal was to prolong her pregnancy to 32 weeks, but each passing day was filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
Thursday brought news that would shake any parent to the core. Special tests and ultrasounds revealed that baby Brantley had stopped growing at 24 weeks. The following day, Ashleigh underwent an emergency C-section. At 10:15 a.m., Brantley entered the world, weighing a mere 1lb 9oz and measuring only 12 inches long. The sight of their tiny, fragile baby taken to the NICU was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Despite the initial shock, Ashleigh and Jonah found comfort in the Ronald McDonald House after Ashleigh’s discharge. The NICU social worker’s support was a lifeline during those early days. Moving to Ronald McDonald House was not just a necessity; it became their sanctuary. “The only reason I left (the hospital) was because the Ronald McDonald House was so close and provided us the comfort and safety of being close to our child” Ashleigh said, her voice filled with emotion.
The Ronald McDonald House was more than just a place to stay. It was a place of hope. Ashleigh had heard of the Ronald McDonald House from a cousin whose family had stayed there, but she never imagined she would be in such dire need of its services. Learning that Ronald McDonald House was an option within walking distance of the hospital was a huge relief. “I thought I would be on the hospital couch for three months because I was not going to leave my baby,” Ashleigh recalled.
The Ronald McDonald House provided a home away from home, a place to go, a meal to eat, and a comfortable bed to sleep in. Brantley’s journey in the NICU was filled with challenges. He needed time to grow, and every day was a battle. From being fully intubated for 12 hours to overcoming feeding tube issues and a swallow study, Brantley’s progress was nothing short of miraculous. Today, he doesn’t need any medications, oxygen, or specialist care. “Dad and I are okay. It was a very traumatizing experience, but everyone is healthy, and we love Brantley to death. We wouldn’t change a single thing,” Ashleigh shared, her gratitude evident.
The Ronald McDonald House became their second home. The kitchen, where they had their own spot in the fridge, was a favorite area. The volunteers who prepared meals not only saved them money but also provided emotional support. The regular routine of making breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House and then heading to the hospital helped them maintain some normalcy. Highlights included the nacho/taco bar and the kindness of the Penta student volunteers and RMH staff, whose smiles and warm greetings meant the world.
Reflecting on what they would have done without RMHC Northwest Ohio, Ashleigh mentioned she would have slept on the hospital room couch, never leaving Brantley’s side. The proximity of RMH provided comfort and safety. “I was very thankful for the Ronald McDonald House. It made me more comfortable and gave me peace of mind,” she said, her voice trembling.
Being close to Brantley allowed Ashleigh to rest and take care of herself, which in turn enabled her to be the best version of herself for her son. The Ronald McDonald House provided gifts and celebrations for holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and the 4th of July, making them feel at home even during the toughest times.
For the Harter family, the Ronald McDonald House means the world. “Words can’t describe how much it means to us. The Ronald McDonald House always has a special place in our heart. You don’t know what it means until you or someone close to you needs it,” Ashleigh expressed with heartfelt emotion.
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