When Jalee and Derek Suddarth welcomed their daughter Collins into the world, she weighed just 1 lb 11 oz. Born extremely premature, Collins faced cardiac issues and gross motor delays, spending the first 109 days of her life in the NICU. For the Suddarths, living in Bloomington, the thought of traveling back and forth to Peoria during this time felt overwhelming—until a nurse introduced them to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois.

For the Gomez family, the arrival of their triplets—Darleny, Eithan, and Derien—was filled with uncertainty and hope. Born at just 25 weeks, these tiny fighters faced a long road in the NICU, spending nearly four months growing and gaining strength before they could finally go home.

In this video, you'll hear firsthand accounts from Mom about her experiences at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Illinois (RMHCCI) during this challenging time. She reflects on the significance of RMHCCI in their lives and the support it provides.

In this heart-touching video, we share the incredible story of Maverick, a true miracle baby born at just 25 weeks, weighing only 1 lb, 10.5 ounces. Maverick's parents, Ricky Schopp and Jessica Kragness, take us through their emotional journey of hope and healing, sharing their experiences and gratitude.

Join us in watching this touching video that showcases the strength of Jaxon and his family, the vital role of RMHCCI, and the power of love and community in overcoming life's most challenging moments. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that RMHCCI can have on families.

The Dovin's daughter Lucy was diagnosed with CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) when her mother, Tiffany, was pregnant. They learned about Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois from OSF Saint Francis: Maternal/Fetal Diagnostic Center. The Dovens knew they had a long road ahead of them and needed to be in Peoria, IL, close to OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. Family is medicine, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois provided the means for Lilli (big sister) to stay with mom and Dad and be close to her little sister while receiving critical medical care. Tiffany said, "With her being able to stay with us at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois and to visit the hospital, it helped Lilli a lot! Lilli could be close to her sister and her parents, so there wasn't so much change for Lilli all at once."

Nolan + Meg stayed at the RMHCCI in Peoria for five weeks in the fall of 2021. Their newborn daughter was born in Champaign but was quickly transferred to OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois NICU due to an unexpected airway blockage. They had always heard great things about the RMHC from friends and family members that had utilized them in the past but had never experienced one themselves.

The Dunham's 4-year-old son, Dawson, suffered a traumatic brain injury that required emergency surgery and a lengthy hospital stay. They were receiving care at HSHS St. John's Hospital, lived over an hour away from Springfield, and stayed at RMHCCI Springfield House to be close to Dawson.

JaLee and Derek had an unexpected stay at the Peoria Ronald McDonald House when their daughter, Collins, was born at 27 weeks two-day gestation. Collins ended up spending 111 days in the NICU at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois due to her extreme prematurity and a heart condition. Jaylee was aware of the RMHCCI, but the nurses in the NICU were the ones who provided them with the information to request a room at the House.

Courtney stayed at the Springfield House twice in 2016 because she had her daughter at 32 weeks and once in 2021 when she had her son at 25 weeks. After having her first baby, Courtney learned about the House from our Hospital partner HSHS St. John's Hospital.