My daughter Tamina was born 14 weeks prematurely and weighed only 1 lb. 3 oz. Not only was I fearful for her life, but I was also concerned about where I would stay and how I would eat. Knowing that I refused to leave without my baby, the nurses told me about the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Being there enabled me to stay near my baby the entire 12 weeks she was in the NICU. Volunteers at the Family Room offered me hot meals and a nice warm bed to sleep in – not to mention a shoulder to lean on. Because I was taken care of, I was able to provide one-on-one care for Tamina that only a parent could. That helped her to progress faster than anyone thought and helped us go home more quickly. The volunteers and staff made me feel at home and offered kindness, support and understanding that only true angels could.
They helped me stay positive on the worst of days.
If it weren’t for them, I would not have made it through that tough time in my life. I owe so much to the volunteers and staff; each one has a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful.
As time goes on, I will continue to tell Tamina the story of her birth, and how the doctors at Memorial Children’s Hospital and the staff and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room changed our lives. It is because these wonderful people gave me the help and support I needed to stay strong, that my daughter is alive and well today.
Thank you all for everything you did for my family.
God Bless.
Nicole Ochart