NewsRadio Savannah and our sponsors The Dewitt Tilton Group and Primrose Schools introduces you to the Dylan family and their Ronald McDonald House Of The Coastal Empire experience:
November 1, 2024, our world suddenly came to a stop. At only 22 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I was admitted to the hospital and faced with the unthinkable—the possibility of delivering our baby far too soon. Our son, Jackson Lee, had less than a 20% chance of survival. After waiting so long to become parents and going through IVF, it felt impossible to comprehend that this might be the end of our story. I remember sitting in the hospital room, telling God that it was okay if He needed Jackson Lee more. That He had already blessed me with the greatest gift. The chance to know Jackson Lee for 22 wonderful weeks.
At just 24 weeks gestation, Jackson Lee made his arrival, weighing only one pound and ten ounces. In the days that followed, we were overwhelmed, filled with love and awe for our tiny boy, but also completely at a loss for what to do next. I had to leave the hospital without my baby, something no mother ever imagines doing. The thought of going home to our empty house while Jackson Lee fought for his life in Savannah was unbearable. We knew we had a long road ahead in the NICU, but financially, we had no idea how we were going to make it work. Then came a call I’ll never forget. The Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire had an opening for us.
When we walked into the Ronald McDonald House for the first time, we were greeted by their house Australian Labradoodle, Willow. Immediately, we felt a sense of home. Seeing her each day and being able to love on her brought my husband and me so much joy. We quickly learned that this is Willow’s house, and we were simply her guests. She made sure everyone felt welcome, and we even convinced her to join us for a few movie nights. That warm welcome from Willow set the tone for everything that followed. A place filled with love, comfort, and belonging during one of the hardest times in our lives.
We were anxious but so relieved to have a place to stay within walking distance of Jackson Lee. My husband, Justin, would soon have to return to work, and the thought of being alone was daunting. But the Ronald McDonald House provided comfort, safety, stability, and friendship during such a lonely time. It quickly became our home away from home. A place where we could breathe, rest, and find hope away from the constantly beeping machines and chaos of the hospital.
Walking through those doors, I immediately felt the same love and warmth that my parents had experienced thirty years earlier. When I was born at 28 weeks, weighing just two pounds, they stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta, Georgia. Growing up, I heard countless stories about how the organization supported them during one of the hardest times of their lives. I never could have imagined that one day I would be standing in their shoes, once again witnessing the power of this incredible organization, but now as a mother myself.
We spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day at the Ronald McDonald House. Even though it was hard being away from our families, we celebrated with our new family, the other parents, volunteers, and staff who all lifted each other up even on the hardest of days. We even spent the snow days at the Ronald McDonald House, which are memories I will forever cherish. Friendships were created that I hope will last a lifetime. The Ronald McDonald House gave us so much more than a roof over our heads. It gave us a sense of belonging, a community of families who understood, and a constant reminder that we were not alone. Every warm meal, every hot shower, every smile from a volunteer—the kindness and compassion from the Ronald McDonald House truly sustained us during our hardest season.
Our story has come full circle, and I will forever be grateful for the way the Ronald McDonald House has cared for both me and my family. Two generations apart, yet bound by the same story. It will always hold a special place in our hearts—a reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, kindness and compassion can create light in the darkest of places. It will always be home.
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