The Zarraga Family

“The reality of leaving the hospital without my baby—of him staying behind, alone—was a fear I could never have imagined before that moment. It broke my heart to know he was in such fragile condition, and I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of our situation“.

“Without a doubt, Ronald McDonald House made an immeasurable and life-changing impact on our family during one of the most challenging times in our lives.

On May 8th, 2023, we went to the hospital for what we thought would be just another routine prenatal check-up. But, in an instant, everything changed. My high blood pressure led to an emergency C-section, and I gave birth to our son at just 32 weeks. He was premature, and it quickly became clear that he needed specialized care in the NICU. The reality of leaving the hospital without my baby—of him staying behind, alone—was a fear I could never have imagined before that moment. It broke my heart to know he was in such a fragile condition, and I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of our situation.

We lived two hours away, and the thought of making that drive back and forth every day felt impossible. Our 4-year-old son, who was with us, couldn’t even visit his baby brother in the NICU due to hospital restrictions. We were in a complete state of emotional exhaustion, unsure of what to do or where to turn for support.
And then, just when we needed it most, a friend told us about Ronald McDonald House. We reached out, and to our relief, we were fortunate enough to have a room available for us immediately.

Having a safe, warm place to stay during this time was a lifeline. It was more than just a room; it was a space where we could breathe and rest. The kindness of the Ronald McDonald House staff, their unwavering support, and the comfort of knowing we were not alone were beyond anything we could have imagined. Every day, we were surrounded by people who understood what we were going through—parents walking the same difficult road, sharing stories, and supporting one another. The kindness and generosity we experienced there made us feel at home when everything else felt uncertain.

We will forever be grateful for Ronald McDonald House SK. The impact it had on our family can’t be measured in words. It gave us more than just shelter; it gave us hope, comfort, and the chance to stay together when the world seemed overwhelming. Ronald McDonald House is truly a blessing—something priceless for families facing challenges no one should have to face alone”.

Share this Story

Show Your Support