Mistic’s journey to motherhood carried both heartache and hope. After four miscarriages, including twins, she treasured every moment of her pregnancy with Diego. At three months, a placenta tear nearly ended that hope. Her doctor warned her: if it happened again, go straight to Labor and Delivery.
One early morning, Mistic woke to heavy bleeding. With her husband 700 miles away, she drove herself to Wilson Memorial Hospital. Nurses quickly discovered she was already five centimeters dilated, and with no time to waste, doctors care flighted her to Miami Valley Hospital.
By the next morning, her husband had made it back just in time. Together, they welcomed Diego after only 30 minutes of labor. Born at 28 weeks and weighing just 2 pounds, 7 ounces, Diego was tiny and fragile, but he was here.
Staying Close and Holding onto the Milestones
Mistic stayed at the hospital for several days after Diego’s birth while she recovered. Once she returned home to Sidney, about 90 minutes away, she realized the commute would not be sustainable. “After just a couple of days at home, I knew I couldn’t stay that far from him,” she said. “I wanted to see if we could stay in a parenting room or at RMHC Dayton.”
Living at the Ronald McDonald House gave her that opportunity. Being close meant she could share in every moment, from the smallest milestone to critical medical updates.
“When Diego needed an emergency blood transfusion, I got the call in the middle of the night and made it to him right away,” Mistic said. “Even for little things, his circumcision, his first shots, I could be there. You lose so many firsts as a preemie mom, but being close meant I didn’t lose those, too.”
One moment stands out above all. “I’ll never forget walking in one morning and seeing Diego in his very first outfit. That was huge for me. If I had been back home, I wouldn’t have seen it for days, and it wouldn’t have been his first anymore. Because I was close, I got to experience that moment; one of many I’ll treasure forever.”
Being close to Diego allowed Mistic to witness every milestone, but the House also gave her the space to step back, recharge, and take care of herself during an intense and uncertain time.
Support Through Uncertainty
“Being able to see him every day is a blessing, but also being able to step away from the hospital is vital. When you’re a NICU family, you need that separation. At some point, you have to take care of yourself. That’s what the House gave me: comfort, reassurance, and the time and space to recharge.”
The House also supported Mistic through her own health challenges. After Diego’s birth, she hemorrhaged from retained placenta and feared she was facing it alone. But the staff surrounded her with quiet care.
“Even a simple, ‘I’m here if you need me,’ meant everything,” she recalled.
How You Can Help Families Like Mistic’s
Mistic never imagined she would need the Ronald McDonald House. “You always see the donation bins and don’t think anything of it until you’re in that situation. The next time you see one, don’t hesitate to donate. I can confirm it affects families like mine.”
Thanks to RMHC Dayton, Mistic stayed at the House for 66 nights, just a short drive from Diego’s NICU, close enough to hold onto the moments that mattered most and find comfort through an uncertain journey. With your help, more families can experience the same.
Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can have a place to stay. With your help, everyone will have a warm, friendly home away from home.
