F A M I L Y
P R O F I L E
Paterson Family
HOME: Camdenton, MO (Camden County)
Our story begins on November 30th, 2017. I
was 34 weeks and 3 days into my pregnancy with Raylan. After over 24 hours of increasing pain and discomfort we decided to head to the hospital. The two-hour drive felt like four hours. Once arriving at the hospital, we learned that I had been experiencing labor for the last 30 or so hours. Since we live so far from the hospital, they decided to admit me to try to slow down and stop labor. However, after four days of trying to stop Raylan’s arrival, he decided he was still making his entrance into our lives. Raylan made his entrance on the 35-week mark in the morning. This was the best option at this point so we got to hold him. He did great for the first couple days with us while recovering, but his bilirubin levels continued to rise and there were some concerns about his oxygen levels while in a car seat. He was then transferred to the NICU on the day I was supposed to be discharged from the hospital. Since we lived two hours away, we were given the opportunity to stay at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Kids. This facility is so close to the NICU that we were able to shower, sleep in a real bed (or attempt to sleep), and be right by our baby’s side. Our sweet boy has just turned four years old. He has been able to do so many things in these four years. He has been to the beach and enjoyed the waves. He truly loves the water. He spends time being silly with mom and dad, and he gets so much time on the family farm. Every day I look back and am thankful we were able to be right by our child as he was healing enough to come home. Thank you to the Ronald McDonald House.
SHAREAHEART.ORG #FORRMHCOZARKS