St. John Family

When a family trip to Disneyland was suddenly upended by an emergency birth, it became a frantic scramble for parents Justin and Molly. In their moment of need, RMHOC guided them home.

After a family trip to Disneyland, the St. John family—Justin, Molly, and their son, Miles—were set to return home to Tucson, Arizona. But on the night before they planned to leave, mom Molly went into pre-term labor. She was immediately driven to the hospital, undergoing an emergency C-section, and their daughter, Lucy, was born at three pounds after only 29 weeks. Suddenly, their three-day family excursion became an extended hospital stay as Lucy was admitted into the NICU.

Now, it was time to pivot... Where would they stay? What would they do? The first time they were referred to Ronald McDonald House® Orange County, dad Justin honestly dismissed it as something they wouldn’t qualify for. “I assumed it was income-based. Wasn't even worth applying to. Don't bother.” But at Molly’s insistence to at least try, Justin conceded and visited RMHOC. Upon entering those doors, the effect was magical. “It was like a five-star hotel.” Justin and Miles stayed at RMHOC, later to be joined by Molly after she was discharged from the hospital.

But Lucy was still in the NICU, and likely would be for some time. Justin had to return to his job, and though Miles enjoyed his “California House,” being away from home was hard on him. Justin and Molly decided together that she would stay at RMHOC while Justin and Miles returned to Arizona. Molly struggled to be away from Miles for so long, and the days spent by Lucy’s side were draining. Yet, amidst all the worry and stress, Molly found strength in the words of another mom at RMHOC: “I know it’s really scary right now. But you’re going to get through it, and it’s going to be okay.” That sentiment, along with the support and love from everyone she met at RMHOC helped carry Molly and Lucy through the worst of it.

“We felt so lucky,” Molly shared, “and grateful that [Ronald McDonald House] existed. It just made an awful experience in our lives that much easier.” Today, Lucy is with her family, happy, healthy, and growing stronger every day together.