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Serenity

It’s Mother’s Day in Dayton, Ohio. All over the city, all over of the nation, moms are being showered by their loved ones – celebrated for the selflessness, courage, and compassion with which they have raised their children.

Christopher Kelley is celebrating his wife, LaTosha, as she whispers words of life, love, faith and fortitude into the ears of her little one, Serenity. The little girl that made her a mother when she least expected it.

LaTosha’s doctor told her that she would never be able to conceive. And after three miscarriages she was about ready to accept the prognosis, but in March of 2010 she found out she was pregnant again. It was a tough pregnancy – one that included a month of bed rest. But LaTosha fought for Serenity who was born prematurely, weighing only 3 pounds, 4 ounces. She was breathing though – alive.

The doctor immediately put her in the NICU to ensure survival. LaTosha and Christopher hated being separated from their newborn, but thanks to the Ronald McDonald House in Dayton they were able to watch over Serenity every day. The staff and volunteers at the House, which is just across the street from the hospital, provided comfort, relaxation and rest to them through six weeks of stressful circumstances.

“I was scared – I had already lost two children, and I didn’t want to lose another. I found hope and strength in other mothers at the House though – other mothers who were going through similar situations with their babies,” says LaTosha. “They prayed with me. They consoled me. We got through our trials together. And when Serenity started growing, gaining weight, and becoming healthy, I was more thankful than ever for the Ronald McDonald House – they kept me close by my miracle baby.”   

This month and throughout the year, we celebrate RMHC mothers like LaTosha – mothers who have been there every step of the way for their children who are battling illness or injury; mothers who have found strength through the communities of hope and healing formed within the walls of a Ronald McDonald House; mothers who have shared their stories and enriched our programs.

To all these mothers who make RMHC and their families stronger – we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day.

Comments (1)|(Hide)

  • diamante

    19/05/2011 9:34am

    I bet it was scary for you but you got through it because RMHC

    Thank you RMHC

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