The Short Family
Eric and Madeline Short welcomed their daughter Thia, into the world on October 17, 2022. Thia was born at 28 weeks and weighed a mere 1 lb and 15 ounces.
It began with a mother's intuition, a subtle feeling of unease that led her to seek medical attention. Madeline was experiencing light-headedness and sensed that something wasn't quite right. Concerned for both herself and her unborn child, she and her husband, Eric, rushed to the hospital, where they were met with the stark reality of severe preeclampsia.
As days turned into nights, the gravity of the situation became clear. Blood pressure readings climbed, and it was evident that their baby needed to enter the world sooner than anticipated. Transferred from their home in Beloit, KS, 2 hours away to Wesley Hospital, they prepared for the journey ahead, knowing it would be filled with uncertainty.
Amidst the chaos, the Ronald McDonald House was able to provide a home away from home, so that they could stay close to baby Thia.
"Our experience at the Ronald McDonald House taught us that in the midst of uncertainty, there is still kindness and support to be found. Everything being provided for free relieved us of the financial burden, allowing us to focus on what truly mattered – our daughter's well-being. Being just across the street from the hospital brought us a sense of comfort and closeness during the toughest of times. Despite the challenges, the warm meals, variety of snacks, and the comfortable beds, provided a small sense of normalcy in the midst of the scariness that was happening."
After 68 days, Thia and her family were able to make the journey back home just in time for Christmas.
But, that’s not all, the family was airlifted back to Wesley in September of 2023 when their daughter faced another health scare, battling bacterial meningitis. Once again, they found themselves back at Wesley Hospital, but this time, they were met with the familiar embrace of the Ronald McDonald House, a constant source of comfort in the face of the unknown.
“It was nice to have somewhere to stay again. The comfort of having a consistent place to stay and meal- times being similar to what they are at home just made it really feel like our home..”
Thia is doing great. She is now 1 1/2 years old and is just now starting to walk!
