NewsRadio Savannah and our sponsor The Dewitt Tilton Group introduces you to the Aguilar family and their Ronald McDonald House Of The Coastal Empire experience:
My Brave Little Warrior - Joshua
After having a miscarriage 3 years ago, I still hoped but I never expected anymore to bear a child. So being pregnant was the best news I have ever received since then. Until, the doctor’s told me, my son has a high chance of having Down Syndrome. I was shocked, confused and depressed at the same time. The further along in my pregnancy it became clearer Joshua would have Down Syndrome. The doctor found a “double bubble” on my ultrasound, and explained to me that my son will have to undergo a Duodenal Atresia surgery when he is born. I didn’t know what to say, what to think, and how to react.
I was in the process of moving to Georgia when my little one decided to show up a month ahead of his due date. The delivery went well. Joshua was handed to me and all I see is a beautiful baby boy. He was in my arms for more than an hour. The best feeling in the world. He is so precious. He is my son, the GREATEST BLESSING I have received. But happiness faded right away the following day when I was told that he needed to go into surgery. I got scared but I needed to be strong for him. I know he is a fighter. I know he can do it. I know he will survive because deep down, I know, it will be a tough battle for him. And the only thing I can do is pray for him. THANKS GOD, the operation was a success. The doctor told me that I might be discharged soon. I panicked and got so worried. He is my first and only child and I want to be with him every day, but I had so many questions, thoughts, and concerns. I did not want to leave Joshua’s side. Luckily, one of the nurses found out about my concern, she immediately told me that I can apply and maybe be approved to stay at the Ronal McDonald House. At first, I thought she was kidding. Why would I stay in a fast-food restaurant? Until she explained to me what Ronald McDonald House does.
The following day, I was told that I would be discharged and that exact night, I was offered a room. The moment I entered the house, I already knew that this house is BUILT BY LOVE. The Ronald McDonald House is a HAVEN for parents like me. I never imagined that I would have my own room where I could rest and have no worries because l be close to my son. I didn’t even have to worry about my food. There were many generous people and groups that were volunteering to give us sumptuous meals. You can also cook, do your laundry, watch movies, play games and even play piano. A home that gives us the rest we needed to have the energy to win THE NEXT DAY’S BATTLE.
The staff are compassionate, supportive, accommodating, and friendly. They always make sure that we are taken care of. They don’t hesitate to ask you if there is anything you need. They are not just staff - they are FAMILY. Thanks to God, my son’s got discharged after 18 days in NICU. But even if we were already home, RMHC never stopped helping my family. As of the time of writing this story, we are still BLESSED because my small family became returning guests. My son’s wound from his surgery is healing fast. Joshua still has a G-tub, but he is working on bottle feeding. He still has check-ups and therapies, but he is doing great.
A BIG THANKS to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. WE WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL to RMHC of the Coastal Empire for KEEPING FAMILIES CLOSE.
How to help:
⏰ Accepting monetary donations between Now - December 11th, 2023
📍 Please deliver all cash, check, and gift card donations directly to iHeartMedia Savannah, 245 Alfred Street Savannah, GA 31408
💳Forms of donations accepted:
- Click here to make an online donation to the RMH. Add "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Checks made out to Ronald McDonald House with "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Visa, Master Card, AmEx or Target cards.
- Cash
Sponsored by The Dewitt Tilton Group!