11 Feb Jade’s Story

Erica and Dayton Ward were on their honeymoon in Branson, Missouri, when Erica started bleeding. Erica was just 22 weeks along, and they headed to the ER in Branson. That’s when the doctors told her she was having a placental abruption and that she would be giving birth in the next hour. With the baby’s gestational age, they were told there was less of a 15% chance of survival.

Jade came into the world at 1 lb. 4 oz., and was taken immediately to the NICU in nearby Springfield where she could get the care she needed. She was so small she fit in the palm of a hand. They spent 27 days in the NICU there, and were flown to Children’s Mercy Kansas City to continue her care. From Parsons, Kansas, Erica and Dayton found a home away from home at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.

“We are three hours from Kansas City … this Ronald McDonald House has been a godsend for us. It’s been absolutely amazing for families like mine … they’ve opened their doors to us for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and everything.”

Four months later, Jade is 6 lbs. 7 oz and is defying all the odds against her. She continues to hit milestones, gain weight and is trying to grow a full head of red hair. The Wards hope to take her home this spring.