Sometimes an Ember is all you need

May 30th, 2023 | Our Families

Ember was born April 19, 2022, weighing 450 grams and 10.5 inches long. Parents Dave and Kara knew they had a long journey ahead of them, yet were grateful for each new day.  After spending 152 days at the Ronald McDonald Family Room® at SSM Health St. Mary’s-Madison, Ember was transferred to American Family Children’s Hospital last September to receive special medical care for babies born at 22 weeks of gestation. Dave expressed his sincerest gratitude about their stay sharing, “Teresa and the entire team at the Ronald McDonald Family Room® have been extremely helpful during a time where we had no idea what we were doing or how we were going to handle everything going on.”

Dave, an employee of Zimbrick East, wanted to do something to raise awareness and give back for the incredible support received at the Ronald McDonald Family Room®. Dave and his fellow employees raised $5,000 for RMHC this past spring through the Zimbrick Eastside Charitable Challenge. Recently, Executive Director, Stephanie Hayden and Development Director, Deborah Still took the opportunity to finally meet this incredible family – a beautiful day for Ember and her family as they were able to take a short field trip to the first floor to meet with us.  We are thrilled to share that Ember, now nearly 14 months old, was moved from AFCH NICU a few weeks ago and weighs 16 pounds and 25” long! Dad reports, “Even though Ember is not home yet, she is doing great and we are hopeful to be home in a couple of short months!”