Taylor Family

In August of 2005, Finnegan Taylor was born five weeks early.  Brian and Laura Taylor quickly found themselves trying to divide their time between the NICU and their four older children.  To make things more difficult, the Taylors lived an hour and a half from the hospital. 

Laura and Brian were eating in the hospital cafeteria, rushing to a relative's house to see their other children and then they slept in their car.  They thought this was the best option until a nurse noticed how exhausted they had become and suggested the Ronald McDonald House. 

When the Taylors arrived at the House, they were hungry, tired, and anxious about a community living situation with their four older children.  Volunteers quickly eased their fears and helped the Taylor family make their first real meal in a week. 

Caelan, Elodie, Rory & Seamus, the older Taylor children, were also nervous about the House.  Once they enjoyed some ice cream and saw the playroom and the playground they knew it would be fun to stay at this "home-away-from-home".   

After reuniting the family and a full night's sleep, Brian and Laura finally started to regain their energy.  Over the next couple of weeks, Brian spent most days at the House with the older children while Laura spent her days at the NICU with Finn. 

Each night, Laura would come to the House and the family would enjoy a home-cooked dinner and some time to play.  She thought it was incredible to have the freedom and space to relax and de-stress with the kids. 

Laura often says the House was the only place she felt comfortable during Finn's hospitalization.  She also credits the people associated with the House for helping her family to make it through such a difficult time

After their experience, the Taylors believe the House is an amazing treasure for any family with a critically ill child.   

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