We’re Blake and Jessica Sanders, and this is our family’s RMHC story!
On August 29, 2015, I was rushed from Dothan to Birmingham due to preeclampsia. I was taken back for an emergency c-section and our first baby, Michael Tripp, was born weighing 2 pounds, 10 ounces and was 15 inches long.
He was immediately intubated and was severely jaundiced. He was a very sick infant and his future wasn’t certain. One week later, nearly immediately upon my discharge, Blake and I were able to check in to a room at the Ronald McDonald House with all of our needs met.
On our first night there, Blake had to leave and go home to take care of some things. I was alone for that night and overwhelmed with so many emotions but I am so thankful that I had my own private space to cry, pray and rest.
We spent 2 months at the Ronald McDonald House and were able to bring Tripp home just before his actual due date!
Today, Tripp is a happy, healthy, gestationally normal kid. He starts kindergarten on August 31 and loves playing ball, reading, pretending to be a Ninja Turtle and is a self-proclaimed paleontologist. He has since welcomed a younger sister and is the best big brother she could ever hope for.
Blake and I decided while in the NICU that on our Tripp’s 5th birthday, we would share our story in hopes of encouraging other first-time parents who never imagined their story starting out this way.
Tripp’s favorite dinner is pizza and in honor of his 5th birthday, he has asked us to order pizza for the families currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House! Our family is forever grateful for the support and kindness shown to us in such an uncertain time.
Thank you for helping us help our baby,
Blake, Jessica, Tripp and Raylee Jane Sanders
