11 Dec Gonzales-Ilarina Family
Gonzales-Ilarina Family
From Conway, SC
Spent 79 nights at RMHC
Dec. 15, 2010- a date I remember very much. At 39 years old , after a uterine myomectomy, and multiple failed attempts at in- vitro fertilization, and after using up all the savings …I had one final blood drew for that day’s pregnancy test, I told my IVF nurse, ” Can I please ask you a favor?, If the result comes out negative can you please not call me today and let me pretend that I might have gotten pregnant one more day…This is the last one we can afford and the last one I can take…”
That day had been the happiest day of my life… I could not contain the tears flowing down my face while crossing the Ravenel Bridge after hearing the great news about the pregnancy test. I readily calmed myself down…. ” This is not the time to have an accident… I told myself”
Fast forward to May 17,2011 – pregnancy has been uneventful to this date , I felt great , except for minor aches from carpal tunnel, back and leg pain after 12 hour night shift as a nurse. This day , my husband and I were attending our godson’s baptism. I felt a fine kick while at the church .. that’s it. By afternoon time , I am rushed to the Maternity Floor of MUSC, because my ” bag of water” broke. My baby was just 25 weeks old . Attempts were made to keep him until he is matured enough but an emergency C-Section has to be done on the night of May 23, 2011.
Emmanuel Ned Gonzales- Ilarina was born at 2 lbs 1 ounce. Emmanuel was chosen because He is indeed a gift from God … No question about that.
We lived 2 hours drive away from MUSC, in Conway , SC.. When we were told our son will have to be kept in the hospital at least 2-3 months … Reality struck us about how we are going to afford to stay close to him?..I was still in shock… Scared and so worried at the critical condition my son was in. I got so busy working, and saving while pregnant I did not think I have bonded enough with my son and so I needed to be with him all the time…
Ronald McDonald House Charities was a blessing and an answered prayer for me and my family. It was conveniently located across MUSC, we see our son grow up every hour . We are able to see and spend time with him any time of the day or night which we get to do often because it is very quiet in NICU at that time. I get to enjoy the mother- son bonding I did not get to enjoy while he was in me because I am always busy..At RMH, we have experienced comfort and luxury at its best. Staff and volunteers are very friendly, welcoming and always very accommodating. There , I got involved with parents especially the mothers with the same situation as we are. It had been a very comforting experience to be surrounded by mothers who felt the same way as you. The place is always kept clean , and very generous families and companies provided us food everyday. I cannot deny the fact that me and my husband were not ready to leave RMH after my son’s discharge….
Thank you Ronald McDonald House Charities – Charleston , SC. You will always be a part of our family. Your home had been the best we ever had.
Regards to all,
Edwin, Liezel, and Emmanuel Ned Ilarina