For Kayla and Troy, the joy of welcoming their daughter Kaylee Marie into the world quickly turned into fear and uncertainty. Kaylee was born in Wytheville, Virginia, and within her first hours of life, it became clear that something was wrong. She was placed on a CPAP machine to help her breathe and was soon diagnosed with dangerously low blood sugar levels.
The local hospital acted quickly, rushing Kaylee to the NICU in Roanoke where she could receive specialized care. Immediately upon arrival, she was placed on a feeding tube and an IV line was inserted through her belly button so that life-saving sugar could be delivered directly into her stomach. The days that followed were filled with monitors, medications, and slow progress as Kaylee was carefully weaned off medical support.
While Kaylee began her fight in the NICU, her parents were faced with another challenge—how to stay close to her while also caring for their one-year-old son, Dakota, and managing work responsibilities. Home was in Elk Creek, nearly two hours away. Driving back and forth each day wasn’t just exhausting—it felt impossible.
That’s when Kayla and her family turned to the Ronald McDonald House.
For 15 days, Kayla, Troy, and little Dakota were in and out of the Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Virginia. The House gave them a home base, a warm meal, and the flexibility they needed as they balanced being at the hospital with caring for their toddler. Troy continued working during this time, and Kayla said the ability to come and go as needed made all the difference.
“We were allowed to come as we needed due to her dad working, and they accommodated our stay for however long we needed,” Kayla shared. “We are so thankful.”
It wasn’t just the room and meals that made an impact—it was the kindness of those they met along the way. Kayla fondly remembers volunteers in the kitchen who took time to talk and play with Dakota, bringing a smile to his face during a time that felt anything but normal. She also recalls how the office staff gifted him a small toy, a simple gesture that touched her deeply.
“RMHC helps families in the most important times, when their child or loved one is going through a hospital stay,” Kayla said. “We’re so grateful for everything.”
Thanks to the support of RMHC-SWVA and the donors and volunteers who make our mission possible, families like Kayla’s never have to choose between being with their child and having a place to rest. They’re surrounded with care, compassion, and a community ready to lift them up—just when they need it most.
Today, Kaylee is home with her family, healthy and thriving. And her journey is a beautiful reminder of why RMHC exists: to keep families close when it matters most.