An Unexpected Emergency
Bethany Cogman arrived at the hospital on November 18, ready to welcome her daughter, Shayla, into the world. With her husband, DeAndre, and her mother Carolyn by her side, she expected a smooth induction. But just minutes after the process began, everything took a terrifying turn.
Bethany’s placenta ruptured, and Shayla’s heartbeat plummeted. The room filled with urgency as doctors worked quickly to stabilize them. Before Bethany could fully process what was happening, she was being airlifted to Birmingham, leaving her family behind, desperate for answers and praying for her baby’s survival.
Shayla was born and immediately rushed to the NICU at UAB Hospital, where doctors discovered free air in her intestines, a dangerous condition requiring emergency surgery. She was transferred to Children’s of Alabama, where surgeons removed 10 centimeters of her intestines and placed an ostomy bag to help her heal.
For weeks, Shayla fought through each challenge with incredible strength. Just when it seemed like she was on the road to recovery, a serious blood infection set her back once again, prolonging her hospital stay and leaving her family anxiously waiting for the day they could finally bring her home.
More Than a Place to Stay
Bethany and DeAndre split their time between hospital rooms and waiting areas, doing everything they could to be near Shayla. The emotional and physical exhaustion of watching their newborn fight for her life was overwhelming, but there was no question—they had to stay close.
A nurse introduced them to the Ronald McDonald Family Room, a quiet space where they could rest while still being near Shayla. That night, for the first time in days, they felt a small sense of relief. The following day, the Ronald McDonald House called with even better news—a room had opened up, giving their family a place to stay just minutes from the hospital.
The relief was immediate. Bethany and DeAndre no longer had to worry about where they would sleep or how they would afford meals. Their five-year-old son, Drayton, could be with them, easing the stress of being separated as a family. Around the holidays, the support meant even more. Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gifts, and small moments of kindness made all the difference.
“They truly thought of everything, not just my sick child, but also my well child. He was able to pick out a toy from the toy room, and during Christmas, we received gifts that made the holiday feel special. That kindness meant the world to our family.”
The generosity the family received during their time at the Ronald McDonald House left a lasting impact. Bethany and DeAndre remember the relief of having a warm meal after a long day at the hospital, the comfort of knowing Drayton was cared for, and the kindness of strangers who made their darkest moments a little brighter. That support changed their journey, and now, they’re determined to pay it forward. Every time Bethany visits McDonald’s, she takes a moment to give back, knowing firsthand how even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference.
“If they don’t ask, I ask them to round me up,” she said. “Because I know how good of a cause it is. I’ve lived it.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
As the Cogman family reflects on their journey, they are filled with gratitude for the support that carried them through.
“There’s not one single person I can thank enough,” Bethany shared. “Everyone at the Ronald McDonald House has been amazing to us. I wish I could win the lottery and give back everything they’ve given to my family.”
Every day, families like the Cogmans turn to the Ronald McDonald House during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Your support provides relief to families facing the unthinkable, allowing them to focus on what matters most—their child’s healing. Join us in supporting families like the Cogmans by donating or volunteering today.
