When a child is ill or injured, families face moments that are hard to describe. And when care is far from home, that worry grows with the distance. Ronald McDonald House surrounds families with the care and support they need so they can stay close to their child and to each other.
Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is emotional for any parent. When that arrival comes earlier than planned with health concerns, families can quickly feel overwhelmed – especially when they live far from the care their child needs. For families like the Segayles, Ronald McDonald House is more than a place to physically stay, it’s a place where families can stay together – supported, connected and cared for.
Baby Azriel was born at just 26 weeks and 5 days, requiring breathing support and assisted feeding to help him grow and develop in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. His parents, Antonio and Ma. Chrizel, traveled from Deer Lake to St. John’s – a seven-hour drive – to be close to him during his treatment. Being so far from home added stress to an already overwhelming situation, both emotionally and financially.
“It was really frustrating for me to know that my child should stay long in NICU and we are away from home. I couldn’t imagine my husband driving back and forth every day. I was so stressed and we know that we have a problem financially due to my husband was here with me – he cannot go to work,” said Ma. Chrizel. Their older son, Mark had to stay in Deer Lake with family friends so he could continue high school, visiting the House during school breaks to spend time with his family and meet his new baby brother.
A hospital social worker told them about the programs and services at Ronald McDonald House. “We are so grateful to know about Ronald McDonald House, very grateful to the people and communities who supported and donated to Ronald McDonald House,” said Ma. Chizel. “If we could not stay at the Ronald McDonald House and could not afford a hotel, my family would have had no safe or stable place to stay near the hospital.”
Ronald McDonald House provided exactly what they needed. “It allowed us to be close to the hospital during his treatment. We did not have to worry about transportation, finding a place to stay, or additional expenses. Being nearby helped us stay rested, reduce stress, and focus our time and energy on caring for and supporting our child. It also allowed our family to stay together during a very difficult time.”
One of the most meaningful moments for the Segayles came during Christmas break, when their older son, Mark was able to visit and meet his baby brother for the first time. Staff and volunteers helped make the holiday special by providing gifts for the children and a warm Christmas meal, bringing joy and comfort to the family during a difficult season.
While Azriel continues to grow surrounded by the love of his family, the Segayles are grateful for the comfort, stability, and community they found at Ronald McDonald House.
