Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio: Building More Stories of Hope
by Melanie and Tyler Couch-as told by Mackenzie Schuler
About the Garments
“Melanie and Tyler truly believe if it were not for the existence of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, Julian would not be here today.”
For Melanie and Tyler Couch, being able to give their son hugs and kisses is a miracle. Melanie’s pregnancy was described as perfect. She carried to full-term, and had an ideal labor. However, she and her husband were about to have their lives turned upside down. After their son, Julian, was born, he stopped breathing, and had to be resuscitated.
The following weeks were frightening and full of uncertainties. Several tests were performed on Julian, who was progressively getting worse. Doctors recommended genetic tests, so Melanie and Tyler gladly agreed to do whatever it took to get an answer for their son’s health.
After two weeks of waiting, the results were in and Julian was diagnosed with ABCA3, a disease so rare it affects 1 in 4 million people, making it difficult to breathe, and causing lungs to deflate. The doctors gave the Couch family grave news – they were to start making funeral preparations for Julian. Although this was difficult information to understand, Melanie and Tyler refused to give up hope.
With perseverance and courage, the couple looked at their options. Their insurance case worker recommended Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Melanie did research, and decided to call the doctor with whom Julian would be seeing for treatment. The physician was miraculously treating an infant who had the same diagnosis as Julian, and was sending the baby home the day Melanie called. Melanie took this as a sign to move the family from Cincinnati to Columbus, and the family has not looked back since.
Melanie and Tyler have been at the Ronald McDonald House since August 13, 2012. The family is incredibly grateful for the services Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio provides. From laundry facilities to meals to support and kindness, they do it all so they can be close to Julian while he receives care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Ronald McDonald House care means so much to the family-while staying at the House, Melanie and Tyler have been able to save up for a home in Columbus. Being close to the hospital will allow Julian to continue to receive the best care possible.
Melanie and Tyler truly believe if it were not for the existence of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, Julian would not be here today. Their pain and uncertainty they have experienced is unnerving, but they share their story to bring healing, hope, and strength for other families in need.
Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio has helped thousands of families like the Couch’s over the past 3 decades. With incredible support from the community and organizations nationwide, Ronald McDonald House of Columbus, OH has begun construction for a 40-room expansion, allowing for even more families to find a home with Ronald McDonald House.
Support RMHC in their expansion as they “build more stories of hope” by giving a home to families and children from across the nation.
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http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/
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