When their daughter Kim was born, her family’s world changed in an instant.
She was supposed to arrive at full term—after nine months of waiting, hoping, and preparing. But instead, Kim was born early, before her family knew what to expect.
“We prayed so much,” her father shared. “We asked God, please let her be born at nine months. We didn’t know how she would come or how small she would be.”
Kim required immediate and intensive medical care. What followed was a long and uncertain hospital journey filled with fear, questions, and hope.
“It was very difficult for us mentally,” he said. “We had to listen to everything the doctors told us and stay in the hospital for a long time. We knew we were going through something very hard.”
A Long Journey, Far From Home
For Kim’s family, the challenge wasn’t just medical—it was distance.
Their home was about an hour from the hospital. And during the winter months, that distance felt even greater.
“At that moment, we thought, ‘How are we going to do this?’” he said. “It was snowing, and everything felt even harder.”
Traveling back and forth every day would have meant less time with Kim—and more stress for a family already carrying so much.
Finding Help When They Needed It Most
On their very first night at the hospital, a nurse told them about the Ronald McDonald House.
Thanks to the support of hospital staff, the family was able to apply and find a place to stay close to Kim.
“That helped us so much,” he said. “They helped us find the House so we could stay near our daughter.”
Instead of worrying about long drives, weather, and exhaustion, Kim’s family could focus on what mattered most—being by her side.
A Place of Support and Community
During their stay, the Ronald McDonald House became more than just a place to sleep.
It became a place where they found support—not only from staff, but from other families walking similar journeys.
“We met other families there,” he said. “We got to know their stories and what they were going through. That helped us a lot, because we realized we were not alone.”
Being close meant more time with Kim, more moments together, and more strength during a very difficult season.
“It helped us because we were much closer to her,” he said. “We were able to spend much more time with her.”
A Blessing for Families
Looking back, Kim’s family describes the Ronald McDonald House in simple but powerful terms.
“It is a blessing for families,” he said. “It helps many families during very difficult moments.”
Even now, their gratitude remains strong.
“We are very grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to stay there,” he shared. “If one day we can give back or help in some way, we would love to.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
Today, Kim is home with her family—but her journey is not over.
She continues to receive medical care and monitoring from specialists, including ongoing tests to ensure her health continues to improve.
“Thank God she is at home with us,” he said. “We hope that little by little, as she grows, everything will become normal.”
Through it all, their faith remains steady—and their gratitude even stronger.
Because during one of the most difficult times in their lives, they were given something every parent needs most:
The ability to stay close.