Ahmiracle’s birth was just that – a miracle – unexpected but welcome. She was born on October 10, 2018, three months early at just 15 oz. Early complications led to an extended stay (198 days) in the NICU at Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. In March of 2019, her parents Maria and Jeff found a “home-away-from-home” at the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) – where they stayed for 43 nights.
Keeping families close is an important part of the care plan during treatment and never more so than with the Quinonez family. Being far from their own home, Maria and Jeff found comfort in being at the RMHWM and so near to their daughter. They also appreciated the stress-free environment of the House, the companionship of the other families and, of course, the home-cooked meals provided by volunteer groups.
Despite still using oxygen and having a g-tube, Ahmiracle continues to hit milestones and is now just over 16 pounds. She had a Minnie Mouse-themed first birthday party last fall. In an active house with her two siblings, she has learned to crawl, sit and stand alone. Her vocabulary includes words like bye-bye, nite-nite, Mama and Dada. Maria shares, “I am truly blessed to be her Mama. From the time she (Ahmiracle) wakes up until she goes to bed she is always happy and smiling.”
It warms our hearts that we could provide the Quinonez family a place to stay when they needed us most and we are thrilled to see them doing so well!
