When Mariana and Fernando’s baby boy, Ian, was born at just 24 weeks, he immediately faced a battle for his life. Admitted to the NICU in Tallahassee, it wasn’t long before an emergency arose requiring a specialized surgeon. That night, Ian was transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, and his parents arrived at 2 a.m. with little more than a toothbrush and a pair of clean clothes.

“I remember feeling lost, scared, still recovering from the C-section, and thinking, ‘This will be long. How are we going to do this?’” Mariana recalls. Ian’s NICU stay would last four and a half months. With Tallahassee two and a half hours away, finding a place to stay in Jacksonville felt impossible, rentals were expensive, and there was no telling how long they would need to be close to Ian.

Thankfully, their social worker referred them to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville. “We couldn’t believe how homey it was when we first came.” Mariana says. The House quickly became their “home away from home,” just a short walk from the NICU, allowing Mariana, Fernando, and even Ian’s grandmother to be there for him every step of the way.

“Thanks to RMHC of Jacksonville, we could be there for the scary moments, the good moments, and the best moment—bringing him home,” Mariana shares. “In the most stressful and difficult time of our lives, the House kept us afloat, together, comfortable and even fed. We couldn’t have asked for more, and we couldn’t have dreamed of more.”

Today, Ian is home, and the family is forever grateful for the support they received during their time at the House. “There are no words to describe how thankful we are to RMHC of Jacksonville. Forever, thank you.”