By Alexa Steinbach Before she was born, our daughter Elsie was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia and Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries (MAPCAs). Elsie was born on December 14, 2020, at the Froedtert Birth Center and immediately transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s Wisconsin (CW). Although we…
When Brianna and Andy took their kids sledding in early March, they did not anticipate a fun family outing turning into a nightmare. Their seven-year-old daughter, Ellie, was riding downhill with a friend when their sled hit an icy patch and sent them full-speed into a tree. Ellie was unconscious, missing teeth and had an extensive leg injury. She was…
Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, Alex and family had to say goodbye to sweet Ava. With the family’s permission, we share this story, honoring Ava’s memory. When you look at the smiling faces of Rachel, Jessica and Alex (pictured above, left to right), you see three strong women with an unbreakable bond. They affectionately refer to themselves as…
With 37 weeks considered a term pregnancy for twins, Kristyn Allen was ready to welcome her daughters into the world at 38 weeks. Braelyn and Brielle joined mom, dad Greg, and big sister Bailey on December 21, 2018. Kristyn had an easy delivery and both twins seemed healthy. Braelyn, “Twin A,” weighed seven pounds, three ounces and Brielle weighed five…
On November 2, 2011, Lindsey and Rob Pearson welcomed Miles into the world. Arriving three months early, Miles spent the first weeks of his life at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin. Eventually, Lindsey had to return to work on a part-time basis, and that’s where she was when she received the phone call that would turn the Pearsons’…
A new treatment plan brought Grace to Milwaukee, but RMHC brought her so much more. Grace has a few favorite things she’s always happy to talk about – including her love of dolls, her friends, and favorite books. When you see her big smile and hear her mom’s laugh, it’s difficult to even picture a kiddo that couldn’t get out…
Seventeen-year-old Aja Phan and her mom, Sheila, are closer than most mothers and daughters. After staying at the Ronald McDonald House 12 times in 2019, with two stays of nearly 150 days each, it’s not difficult to see why. Aja was a typical high school freshman battling finals, preparing for the upcoming soccer season, when her family noticed she was…
Grace (age 5) can be found in the Great Room at RMHC, with best friend Ashton, playing kitties, dancing or preparing for futures as superstar singers. It’s a beautiful sight: kids with complicated needs laughing and loving without complication. And it’s in stark contrast to a memory of Sara and Craig being told their baby only had a 50% chance…
In a sea of uncertainty, stress and health complications, Ashton and Sherry find support, courage and joy at RMHC. Greg and I have been blessed to have three beautiful daughters – Ashton (age 5), Amelia (age 2), and Avery (age 1). They all have such big personalities; seeing them together, it may be surprising to learn Ashton was born with…
The Ronald McDonald House puts smiles on Jillian and Lydia’s faces as they go through treatment together. Amanda and Brent Upton are parents to two medically complex kiddos, Jillian (age 6) and Lydia (age 2). After Jillian was born, she was vomiting profusely and could not gain weight. Since then, the doctors have not been able to determine exactly what’s…
