Sofia Saenz was born November 24, 2014 at 2:58 A.M. at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was only 26 weeks when she was delivered via an emergency cesarean section and rapidly flown to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

“When we found out that our baby girl was flown to Wichita, one of my first thoughts was ‘Where are we going to stay? We are going to be spending money on hotels.” Sofia’s mother Josie Saenz recalls. “Fortunately, one of the Respirator Therapists that was on the plane with our baby have us a flyer and talked to us about Ronald McDonald House.”

When Sofia landed in Wichita, she was placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where she stayed until February 8th and then was moved to the 3rd floor. It may be another month before Sofia and her family will be able to return home.

Josie is thankful for the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita. “We are more than grateful to have found RMHC Wichita. To be honest, this house has been our second home and feel like the house managers are like our family! We had so many nice volunteers that go and cook and make us great food. RMHC is not only there to help you out financially, but emotionally too. Once you go in the Ronald McDonald House you immediately feel a big warm welcome.”

Josie and her husband Antonio have received an outpouring of support from friends, family, and even their employers. “We have been so blessed since my husband’s co-workers have made generous donations and even made t-shirts for everyone that said ‘Fight Like A Preemie.’ We had no idea there are so many amazing people out there.”

With the help of volunteers and supporters, Ronald McDonald House Charities Wichita helped Josie and Antonio stay close to their baby. Josie is thankful for all the support and love shared with her family. “I simply am so grateful and cannot find other words or expression to say thank you. Hopefully once my baby gets home heathy, we can go back to help and volunteer.”