For Emily and Jonathan Verity, the path to welcoming their second daughter, Patricia (Patsy), was filled with hope, uncertainty, and ultimately, the warmth of a community that embraced them in their time of need.
The Veritys, who live in Hilliard, OH, had been through two years of waiting to adopt their second child. Their daughter Nellie, now three, was also adopted. As part of their third two-year home study cycle with the agency Caring for Kids, they remained cautiously optimistic. Then, in late October, they received a life-changing call—a potential match was on the horizon.
Just before Election Day, an email arrived: Patsy had been born at 27 weeks. While stable, she faced a long road ahead in the NICU. The Veritys were one of two families being considered, and by the Wednesday after the election, they received the joyous news—they had been chosen to be Patsy’s parents.
Knowing that Patsy would need extensive NICU care, the Veritys were introduced to the Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Ohio. By the third week of November, they had a room. For the next seven weeks, the House became their refuge.
“We knew we had somewhere to stay. We didn’t have to worry about where we were eating or where to sleep,” Jonathan shared. The stress of having a premature baby in the NICU was overwhelming, but having a place that felt like home made all the difference.
For Nellie, adjusting to life away from home was a challenge. She had always slept in her own room, and suddenly, everything was different. However, RMHC’s generosity helped ease the transition. “The Ronald McDonald House gave more gifts to Nellie than Santa,” Jonathan joked. A giant teddy bear, one of the gifts she received, remains a cherished companion.
Balancing time between Toledo and Hilliard, Emily and Jonathan took turns staying at the House while ensuring Nellie had stability at home. When together at RMHC, they found solace in the kindness of volunteers, the availability of meals, and the comforting community around them.
“The meals provided by volunteers, the snacks in the pantry—it made a big difference for us,” Jonathan explained. They also appreciated small yet meaningful moments, like when they were offered tickets to a Toledo Women’s Basketball game. “That was such a nice gesture,” he said.
Spending the holidays in a hospital was not how the Veritys had envisioned celebrating their first Christmas as a family of four. But RMHC made sure they felt at home. The holiday decorations, warm meals, and thoughtful gifts brought joy to their difficult journey.
“The generosity was amazing. Not having to stress or worry about anything was a blessing,” Emily said. The staff and volunteers at RMHC went above and beyond to ensure every family felt the spirit of the season despite the challenges they were facing.
Now home, Patsy continues to grow and thrive, still on a monitor but making great progress. Nellie adores being a big sister—every morning, her first stop is Patsy’s room to check on her, followed by helping Mom with bottle cleaning.
Reflecting on their time at RMHC, the Veritys are filled with gratitude. “The House gave us convenience, comfort, and kindness when we needed it most. The proximity to the hospital, the food, the beds—everything was so great,” Jonathan said.
To the donors and volunteers who make the Ronald McDonald House possible, the Veritys have one message: “Thank you. Your generosity allowed us to focus on our daughter’s health without the added burden of where to stay, what to eat, or how to manage the holidays in an unfamiliar place. You made an immeasurable difference in our lives.”
For families like the Veritys, the Ronald McDonald House is more than a place to stay—it’s a home filled with hope, love, and unwavering support.