April 11th, 2025
Baby Shane was admitted to Children’s Wisconsin on May, 11, 2024, due to complications from feeding. While his mom, Alicia, was producing enough milk, doctors thought the milk was lacking the fat needed for Shane to gain weight. She expected a short stay – just long enough to work with a lactation consultant and gain the information needed to help Shane thrive.
Days turned to weeks. The care team tried different types of formula and even a Nasogastric (NG) Tube – a thin, flexible feeding tube inserted through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach – to try and get Shane the nutrients he needed, but his condition remained the same.
The doctors have continued to change formulas, run various tests: ultrasounds, endoscopies and other procedures, and there is still not a direct answer as to why Shane needs extra help to gain weight. He is currently receiving the nutrients he needs to thrive via a central venous catheter that delivers a Total Parenteral Nutrition solution of carbohydrates and lipids. Shane recently weighed in at exactly 16 pounds. He’s still on the smaller side – about 16 pounds shy of where he should be for his age.
Throughout this journey, Alicia has been appreciative of the resources our Ronald McDonald House has been able to provide for her and her family – meals, toiletries, laundry facilities and more. Most importantly, though, the House makes it possible for Alicia to keep Shane’s brothers and sisters with her while also focusing on Shane’s health.
Alicia’s brother helps when he can, but her sister lives in southern Illinois and her mom lives in Georgia. Alicia is not alone though – the staff and volunteers at our Ronald McDonald House have become like family to her, lending an ear and showing support during such uncertain times.
“I’m just extremely grateful and always will be for everything that the House has done for us. I know Shane will continue to need medical care, so knowing that RMHC will show support of our family no matter what is something that I will always be thankful for.”
