Andrew’s Story

The following was written by Andrew’s father, Steven, and edited by RMHC in Omaha staff.

“We were referred to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (now known as Nebraska Medicine) by Dr.  George Adam in August, 2010. [My wife] Courtney was preeclamptic, so we traveled from Hastings, Nebraska to Omaha, where Andrew was born at 31 weeks gestation. He weighed 3 pounds, 6 ounces. We learned of the Ronald McDonald House from hospital staff, specifically the social workers. The staff at the House was supportive, gracious, and always willing to listen.

It was an asset to live in community with other families who were patients at local hospitals with their children. It was part of our healing together. The House was a safe place to come home to, to cry in, to have meals together, and to find a little peace from the stress of the Newborn ICU. With other families we celebrated the smallest milestones during dinner and supported one another during setbacks at the hospital.

We were humbly fortunate to live at the House for 58 days when Andrew was strong enough to go home. Their philosophy of ‘a place for everyone’ is a gift to families in the midst of difficult health struggles. Today, Andrew is doing great and has no residual effects from his premature birth. Each year we give financially to the House and strive to serve a meal at least once a year for current families. We feel a sense of calling to support families living there and we want to instill in Andrew a sense of gratitude, so that he can support RMHC wherever life may lead him. With the current need and plans for expansion at the House, the donations of time, finances, and other resources will be necessary for the healing of future families who reside there. We are grateful and honored to be a part of the legacy of RMHC in Omaha!”

Andrew’s family continues to give back to help the House, and you can too. Click here to donate.