It is hard to imagine the fear of having a sick child until you experience it yourself.
Our son Dylan was born on March 29th, 2024. My wife, Jackie, was induced three weeks early.
Shortly after his birth, Dylan was admitted to the NICU at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The
social worker at the hospital offered us the opportunity to stay at Ronald McDonald House
Charities (RMHC) New York Metro so we could be close to Dylan.
Ronald McDonald House Took Care of Us
My wife and I stayed at Ronald McDonald House for three weeks where we could rest, shower,
enjoy a hot meal, and relax in the Meditation Room, our favorite place in the House. At the
hospital, it was devastating to see our newborn son so sick and hooked up to loud machines
with tubes and wires coming out of him. All I wanted to do was pick him up and tell him we
were going home. I was so scared, but somehow, I was able to take care of Dylan and my
wife while Ronald McDonald House took care of me.
Ronald McDonald House puts the families of sick children above all else. We were overwhelmed by the love and support from the volunteers, staff, and other families staying at the
House. During the biggest challenge of our lives, RMHC New York Metro provided us with a
“home away from home” so that we could be with our son.
Staying Close to Dylan
All day, we stayed by Dylan’s side in the NICU, and we were able to be there because of Ronald McDonald House. I truly believe that our being close to Dylan helped him recover from his infection. We can never thank everyone enough for keeping our family close. If you have the means this holiday season, please consider donating any resources to the sick children and families at RMHC New York Metro—money, time, food, supplies—all of it helps families like mine.
