“We had no place else to go.” “We don’t know what we would have done without your House.” “You need to go directly to the ER.”

These weren’t the words Pamela or Justin Allaart thought they would hear at their routine midwife appointment in early August. At 31 weeks into their second pregnancy, up to that point, everything had been unremarkable.

The findings were that Pamela had a severe case of pre-eclampsia. Admitted to UCHealth, Memorial North, testing revealed that her liver was shutting down; her body was rejecting the baby’s placenta. Further testing showed that her and Justin’s baby hadn’t grown since 29 weeks’ gestation.

An emergency C-Section was ordered. Pamela and Justin were made aware of possible outcomes – the baby might be stillborn, and/or Pamela might have kidney disease.

Together, this family held onto hope as they prayed for the best outcome. Jenny, Pamela’s Mom, made plans to come from Iowa.

Born on August 16th at 33.5 weeks’ gestation, Uriyah weighed just 3 pounds, 9 ounces.

Jenny arrived while Pamela was at UCHealth, recovering post op from surgery. As no one predicted the Allaart’s routine appointment would have them hospitalized and delivering their baby here – in a city that wasn’t their own – they began to search for area hotels, knowing Uriyah would remain hospitalized for a prolonged period. They found the costs associated with lodging and food were prohibitive.

They didn’t know what they were going to do. What they DID know is that they would find a way to remain by Uriyah’s side while she was fighting at Children’s Hospital, Colorado, Colorado Springs.

This family of faith leaned into one another and did what they do. They prayed. Within the hour, they learned that the new Ronald McDonald House was open for families starting THAT DAY. They learned they could stay there; that they would be within eyesight of their sweet baby girl.

Walking and rolling through the doors, without fanfare, Pamela, Justin and big brother Judah, along with Grandma Jenny, became the FIRST FAMILY to stay at the new Ronald McDonald House.

“Finding this place and staying at your House was a Godsend.” Jenny said. She was sure her prayers had been heard and were answered.

Justin agreed. Being differently abled, he said, “It’s as if God designed every inch of this House for our family.” Pamela was overwhelmed. “What a gift it is to stay in this House. And, for it to be ADA compliant is incredible.” Justin added, “I can do everything here, “he said, “Including taking care of Pamela and Judah while the hospital takes care of Uriyah…” Pamela finished his thought, saying, “It has been such a blessing,” she said. “Having just had surgery, I would not have been able to get Justin’s wheelchair in and out, do our laundry or even be much of a help with food.”

One month in, Uriyah is thriving – and so is their family. Feeling at HOME, Grandma Jenny wanted to help organize the kitchen. Three-year-old Judah ‘cleans’ the small children’s kitchen at meal times, telling others, “Watch out for my pile of dirt” while he sweeps. He makes and serves delicious pretend food. While lingering at the fish tank, Judah picked out his favorite, informing others, “He’s the biggest because he eats everyone else’s food!” When you’re only three and you’ve stayed in the same place for a month, it begins to feel like home. His Mom and Dad agree.

“Everybody is so nice here. Everyone is comfortable getting real with people in real situations.” Justin said. “I don’t have to tread lightly.” He went on, “The staff and volunteers, you can tell that they want to be here. It’s not just their job.” Pamela agreed. “We’ve experienced real compassion and caring from the hearts of everyone here — including other families.”

Closing her eyes, Pamela said, “There is SO MUCH PEACE here. Your House allows us to take a much needed breath. When we’re not with Uriyah, we can even relax, knowing she’s continuing to grow and to thrive, and is just a minute away.” Looking at Judah, she said, “And, he loves it here.” Justin smiled and said, “We just can’t thank you enough.” With that, he and Judah wheeled outside, racing down the ramp and to the sidewalk ‘track’.