“I traveled to Newport, RI from State College, PA to attend my husband, John’s graduation from the Navy’s Officer Candidate School. Our son, John, was born at Newport Hospital through an emergency c-section, we were not expecting his arrival while I was visiting Newport because he wasn’t due for another 6 weeks. We live over 7 hours away and we thought we were going to have to stay in a hotel while our son was in the hospital. The Ronald McDonald House became our home away from home and it was a blessing to have a place to stay within walking distance of our son. The staff and volunteers were always kind and helpful. We could not have asked for a more inviting and friendly atmosphere to stay in while we spent time with our son as he grew stronger.

We could not believe that there were volunteers that spent the morning of Thanksgiving at the House preparing a meal for all of the families that were unable to be home on Thanksgiving Day. The meal was not just a simple meal. It was a full family style Thanksgiving meal. It went above and beyond what we expected and it was delicious. Our parents were able to stay with us too so they could visit with their new grandson and we could spend Thanksgiving as a family. We are very appreciative of the Ronald McDonald House and the people that make it possible.

To update everyone, we are all settled into our new home in Virginia. John is now about five months old. He is doing very well. The doctor says he is the size of a full term baby at this age. Even though he was 6 weeks early he was born at 6 pounds 7 ounces. He is a very happy baby that loves to smile and has recently figured out how to giggle. We are very blessed to have this sweet boy in our lives.”

Alisa McFarland, RMH Providence Mom