17 Feb Words of Comfort: Spring 2026
Words of Comfort
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After years of being told that having children would be nearly impossible, it felt like a miracle when Chelsea found out she was pregnant with twins. After the death of her father and the loss of her home in a flood, the news infused her life with new hope.
But joy quickly turned to fear when, at just 28 weeks, Chelsea had to deliver her sons, Levi and Braxton, prematurely.
“I was scared,” Chelsea recalls. “They looked so helpless in their beds with the machines. It was overwhelming.”
For weeks, Chelsea had to drive hours every day to the hospital, exhausted and heartbroken that she couldn’t be near her boys. Then, one call changed everything: A room had opened up at the nearby Ronald McDonald House®.
“Staying at Ronald McDonald House has been much more than just a safe place to lay my head at the end of a difficult day. It has truly been my saving grace.”
At the House, Chelsea found community, comfort, and most importantly, hope.
“The genuine love and concern that the staff and volunteers showed gave me the support I needed most when I was away from my family for an extended period of time.”
Being close to the hospital also allowed Chelsea to be a hands-on part of Levi’s and Braxton’s care, building confidence for when she was finally able to take them home.
Thanks to you, parents like Chelsea can be close to their children when it matters most. You make it possible for families to heal together.
“Staying at Ronald McDonald House has been much more than just a safe place to lay my head at the end of a difficult day. It has truly been my saving grace.”
Support for the Journey Ahead
Thank you for helping keep families together.
When Hazel was born, her parents had no idea just how many challenges — and moments of courage — lay ahead. Diagnosed with spina bifida and several other serious medical conditions, Hazel spent nearly 11 months in the hospital, fighting to grow stronger each day.
Through every test and every treatment, Hazel’s parents were able to stay close to their daughter because they were staying at a Ronald McDonald House. Your support made it possible.
“The House was truly my second home,” shares Hazel’s mom, Cortney. “The community I had at the hospital and House gave me hope.”
“Thank you for providing a place of support for families like ours.”
Evening dinners and activities at the House provided moments of normalcy and connection for Cortney. She loved crafting with other parents and making small keepsakes with Hazel’s name on them to take to the hospital. Those simple joys made difficult days a little brighter.
Hazel will continue to need specialized medical care for years to come. Her parents are deeply grateful to know that the House will always be there because of your ongoing support!
“Thank you for providing a place of support for families like ours,” Cortney shares. “From the food to laundry — it helps so much and makes us feel loved and cared for.”
A Special Place for Families
A note of thanks from Luna’s mom, Leslie.
In October 2022, our lives changed forever when our daughter, Luna, was born. Of course, we knew lots of things would be different with the arrival of our first child. But when Luna was born seven weeks early with a serious gastrointestinal condition, life changed in ways we never expected.
Luna underwent her first surgery at just 5 days old and had two more before she was 5 months.
In total, we spent nearly 19 weeks — 131 days — at the hospital. It was a challenging and emotional time for our family.
“The House became our family and support system … a constant source of comfort, care, and community.”
During that season, Ronald McDonald House became our refuge. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the privacy of having our own room and bathroom was such a gift, especially after childbirth and long days at the hospital. The community kitchen was always stocked with snacks, and each evening, kind volunteers prepared dinner for us.
More than just a place to stay, the House became our family and support system. For those 131 days, it was our home away from home — a constant source of comfort, care, and community during the most difficult time of our lives. The kindness we received meant more than words can express. It was truly the greatest gift we could have received, aside from our beautiful Luna, who is now 3 years old.
We will forever be grateful to Ronald McDonald House and everyone who makes it such a special place for families like ours.
