Silas’ Journey
“The Ronald McDonald House is such a godsend for people like us who depend on and need it.” – Kelli, RMHC Mom
When Kelli was 19 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension. She was put on bedrest. Following several weeks of observation, she began to experience chest pains and shortness of breath. In the emergency room, she was told she had severe preeclampsia.
Kelli was immediately flown to a hospital two hours from home for an emergency c-section. Her son, Silas Andrew, was born at 26 weeks, four days.
Immediately after his birth, Silas was moved to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at WVU Medicine Children’s. His mom stayed at Ruby Memorial which was connected to his hospital.
A few days later, Kelli was able to leave the hospital, but Silas remained in the NICU. Wanting to be close to their son, Kelli and her husband, Daniel, felt panicked about where they were going to stay. A social worker then told them about Ronald McDonald House Morgantown.
“It was so close that I could see it from the hospital,” said Kelli.
When Kelli was discharged, she and Daniel were relieved to be able to check in at the House right away.
“The Ronald McDonald House is such a godsend for people like us who depend on and need it,” said Kelli.
Kelli and Daniel find comfort in knowing how close they are to their son.
“Staying at the Ronald McDonald House means that we are always right there for him,” said Kelli. “And that means so much to us.”
Currently, Silas is recovering from necrotizing entercolitis and heart surgery. He is also being treated for bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that affects lung development.
“He is such a fighter,” said Kelli. “He meets all of his challenges.”
Every year, Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh and Morgantown helps hundreds of families like Silas’ stay together and be near the medical care they need.