NewsRadio Savannah and our sponsors The Dewitt Tilton Group and Primrose Schools introduces you to the Barnes family and their Ronald McDonald House Of The Coastal Empire experience:
Frannie Mae’s story begins long before her birth. After five heartbreaking miscarriages, two IVF transfers, and years of battling infertility, her parents, Will and Emily, held onto hope even when the path felt impossible. When Frannie arrived at just 24 weeks and 1 day, she entered the world already a miracle, and immediately a fighter. During her 213-day NICU stay, she faced challenges far beyond her size: chronic lung disease, severe feeding complications, three major neurosurgeries to protect her fragile brain, and laser surgery on her eyes to treat retinopathy of prematurity. Surrounded by machines, alarms, and a medical team who became like family, Frannie met every obstacle with a strength that inspired everyone around her.
Coming home was a joyful milestone, but her journey was far from over. Frannie continued to overcome significant feeding struggles, relying on a G-tube while undergoing months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and a structured tube-weaning program. Through determination, and the same resilience she had shown since her first breath, she achieved what once felt impossible: today she is completely tube-free, drinking her favorite milk and exploring real foods with excitement. Now thriving beyond her adjusted 12 months, Frannie is the brightest proof that miracles exist. She is the rainbow after years of storms, a testament to perseverance, faith, and hope; and a living reminder that the smallest fighters often lead the biggest victories.
We are so thankful for the Ronald McDonald House for being there for us throughout this entire journey. After 207 days of staying at the House, we were finally able to go home with Frannie. We could not have done this without the incredible staff and volunteers who supported us every step of the way.
-Emily Barnes
How to help:
⏰ Accepting monetary donations between Now - December 15th, 2025
📍 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 and Express Employment! and Primrose Schools