17 Jan Poe Family Story

It was a usually unusual trip for James Poe and his wife, Laura. Coming from over three states away, the Louisiana couple traveled to visit James’ mother, Lily, in Murrell’s Inlet, SC. However, upon arrival, an 8-month pregnant Laura went into emergency labor. Their son, Alistair, was born at just 32 weeks at Waccamaw Hospital. The joy of having their baby boy was soon coupled with fear as James and Laura learned that Alistair was born with underdeveloped lungs. In such a condition, he was transferred to the NICU here at Charleston’s own MUSC.

 
James, a native Murrell’s Inlet resident, met his bride at a Texas, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force performing maintenance on B52 bomber aircraft. After marriage, they moved to Lousiana, and discovered they were expecting. With the arrival of baby Alistair, and his medical condition, the couple was met with contrasting emotion. While visiting Alistair at MUSC, they were referred to the Ronald McDonald House by a family friend and local Charleston resident.

 
When asked about their stay at RMH, James laughed and said, “I just didn’t expect it to be this nice!” He also says that the computer room, offering internet access to all guests staying at RMH, was especially useful as it allowed him to pay his rent on time. Staying just over a week at RMH, James and Laura plan to leave with hearts full of hope and love for their baby boy, and with the unwavering support of the RMHC of Charleston.