25 Feb The Sweat family

When Asa Sweat was just 24 weeks old gestation, his parents Emma and Steven found out he had a heart condition. After he was born, Asa had to undergo several heart surgeries and was in the NICU at Children’s Mercy for about two months. From Lawrence, Kansas, Emma and Steven were able to stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City with their oldest son, two-year old Levi. They were able to take home a healthy, thriving Asa and were so grateful for the time they spent at Ronald McDonald House. Steve said, “We’ve been really blessed by being able to be right across the street and be able to be with him all day every day. It made such a huge difference for us.”

Fast forward 10 years and the Sweat family expanded by three more boys, and one more was on the way! At 26 weeks, things took a turn and Emma had to deliver baby Judah at 26 weeks old due to a complete placental abruption. This time, the family was able to find respite and togetherness at the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Overland Park Regional Medical Center for three months as they managed their busy schedules with Judah in the NICU, Emma by his side, and Steven and the boys weaving between school, work and home. 

One thing they knew they could rely on: Ronald McDonald House was a place they could be all together while their baby recovered. They were finally able to take Judah home and finally be under one roof in July 2024, and are grateful for the role Ronald McDonald House has played in their lives not only once, but twice!