Hospital Hallways, Heavy Hearts
“Everything was supposed to be perfect and things just took a different path.”
At 25 weeks pregnant, Jules and Jevon McBride’s world changed in an instant. A serious car accident left both parents severely injured and led to the premature birth of their child, Juliana, who was born at 1 pound and 11 ounces.
During months in the hospital, Jevon endured multiple surgeries, Jules recovered in a wheelchair, and Juliana was diagnosed with a Grade 4 brain bleed and hydrocephalus in the NICU.
When Juliana’s hospital stay extended beyond Jules and Jevon’s, leaving her side was never an option. With help from a social worker, the McBrides found refuge at Ronald McDonald House.
A New Home, A Stronger Family
“When Juliana was hospitalized, we could rest knowing we were just steps away from her hospital.”
At Ronald McDonald House , Jules found comfort being nearby Juliana, as their baby girl continued treatment and her husband, Jevon, as he learned how to walk again – all while healing and being confined to a wheelchair herself. Jules developed a routine and visited the hospital every day. Her sisters and niece came to show their love and support while her mom, Alison, was able to stay with Jules at the House.
As Jevon healed, he was able to join them and they persevered through the tough times together as a family, in a home. A home that kept them near Juliana, and an entire community of support who refused to let them go through this journey alone.
105-Day Journey
“It was a place that we could take a hot shower and get a peaceful night’s rest without the sounds of the monitors beeping.”
When exhaustion finally caught up with Jules and Jevon, and Juliana was fast asleep, they would return to Ronald McDonald House where a bit of normalcy greeted them every night – a warm meal waiting, a piano in the common room for Jevon to play melodies and stay grounded, and supportive moms in whom Jules could confide.
The House was not just rooms and walls – it was being close to Juliana, a place to cope, a community of support, and a home for their family to stay together while Juliana fought for her life.
After 105 days of hospital visits, they walked out as a family of three – not in the way they imagined, but together.
Welcome Home
“I look back and I think, ‘Wow, I cannot believe we survived all that.’”
On the final day of the McBride’s stay at the House, they said tearful goodbyes to the other families and staff members who had become their family.
They returned home to face a new journey – a journey with no nurses to guide them, no prepared meals, and a home that was not yet designed to support Jevon’s mobility. As usual, they rose to the occasion and found a rhythm in their new version of life together as a family.
But their story with Ronald McDonald House was not quite over.
Today, Tomorrow
“So much of our lives consisted of being in the hospital and making sure Juliana was okay. Now we’re excited to get back to doing things we love as a family.”
It has been almost ten years since the McBrides left the House for the first time. Since then, Jules has made it her mission to share their story with the world, despite the difficult memories it brings up; Jevon has made a full recovery, and in the words of Jules, Juliana is doing amazing. Juliana loves to read, has developed a talent for baking, and lights up the room with her beautiful smile.
The McBrides have made several trips back to the hospital for Juliana’s brain surgeries and to help her through diagnoses of cerebral palsy, hip dysplasia, hypertonia, and dystonia. Through it all, Ronald McDonald House was there for them with open arms.
For 105 days, Juliana was never alone. Because of people like you.
Help the next family stay close.
Sign up for emails from Ronald McDonald House
Signup
Follow us on social
