December 11, 2012
Meet Claudia and Her Family of Bishop’s Falls
James Chatman, Samantha Maloney and their 2 year old daughter Lilly are staying at Ronald McDonald House while their new born baby Claudia gains strength at the Janeway Children’s Hospital.
James Chatman and Samantha Maloney of Bishop’s Falls and their 2 year old daughter Lilly were just like any other family expecting their second child. Lilly especially excited to become a new Big Sister!
When Samantha reached 23 weeks of her pregnancy, she began experiencing severe pain and discomfort. Admitted to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center in Grand Falls-Windsor, Samantha underwent emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix. Complications arose which put Samantha in early labour.
“We were scared for our baby”, Samantha said. Samantha was immediately sent by air ambulance to St. John’s. Lilly stayed with Grandma in Bishop’s Falls so James could accompany Samantha.
Arriving 15 weeks premature, Claudia was born September 12, 2012 weighing 1lb 7oz.
Knowing Claudia would need to remain hospitalized in St. John’s for several months, Samantha needed to be close by. Being a stay-at-home Mom for Lilly, she was torn between her two daughters.
It was then that James and Samantha heard the words that they will never forget.
A social worker at the hospital told them “We have a place for you to stay, all of you, together as a family. Ronald McDonald House is now open, and we will contact them for you today.”
On September 13th, Samantha moved into Ronald McDonald House. James immediately returned to Bishop’s Falls for Lilly and to pack their belongings for an expected 4 month stay in St. John’s.
“From the home-cooked meals prepared by different groups, to amazing volunteers and staff, the House has become a home for our family to rest and be together after an exhausting day.” James said, “It is also a place for Lilly to play and be happy – I don’t know what our family would have done without Ronald McDonald House.”
While Claudia continues to gain strength, she is not expected to be released from hospital until late December and even then, it will be in the New Year before the Chatman family will be able to return to their own home in Bishop’s Falls.
So for now the family continue waiting patiently for the day they can finally bring their baby daughter home.
By Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador
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