Finding hope far from home: Braven’s Story

During a routine prenatal appointment in Roswell, New Mexico, Nichole and her husband Brian were thinking about the next steps on their list and their growing family. That quickly changed when Nichole’s doctor discovered abnormal blood flow patterns in fetal circulation detected by Doppler ultrasound. Because her pregnancy was considered high-risk, she was immediately transferred to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque.

Braven was born on September 30, 2021, with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. He would require more care and spend another 110 days in the hospital. Far from home, but with Braven nearby, Nichole and her husband Brian found a comfortable bed, warm meals, and a built-in support system next door at the Highlands Ronald McDonald House.

"The staff and volunteers at the House have become family. It was comforting to see familiar faces, especially when you are going through something so difficult," Nichole shared. Being surrounded by other families made their journey less lonely. Nichole's other three children, ages 8, 3, and 2, stayed behind in Carlsbad, New Mexico, with her mom. "We all had to adapt, it was so hard being away from them, but everyone at the House made us feel okay," said Nichole.

The holidays were her favorite times, particularly the Santa's Workshop offered to parents. "It was nice not to have to think about when we were going to find time to shop. Having Santa's Workshop was a blessing knowing we could pick out gifts for all our children and not worry about being too far from Braven."

By the time Braven was ready to go home, his parents had logged many nights at the Ronald McDonald House. Braven's siblings are adjusting to having mom and dad home and a new five-month-old brother with the family all back together. Braven is now off oxygen, and he is doing better. His heart repair is looking great, and he is slowly weaning off many of his medications. Nichole shares that she keeps in touch with other families they met to see how they are doing. Her family is forever grateful for the Ronald McDonald House.