Mason's 2nd Birthday!

On September 5th Mason was admitted to the hospital for fever, diahrrea, dehydration and bowel pain. He was hooked to an iv and given fluids as he couldn't eat or drink. It took another day before we found out he had a bacterial blood infection. We were very lucky that we pushed for Mason's diagnosis as these symptoms are easily confused with a simple virus. After his diagnosis, we spent 10 days watching Mason receive a strong antibiotic to kill the infection. There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your child suffer. Watching him being pinned down by 4-6 nurses and having him poked for blood work while he was screaming my name in pain is something I will never forget. Watching him rip out his own iv over and over knowing he was going to have to suffer through more needles made me feel sick as there was nothing I could do to help him. The loneliness and sadness you feel while caring for a sick child makes the world a dark place. Thankfully, we were well supported by the amazing staff and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House Family Room. They provided clothes and diapers for Mason, meals for Andrew and I, a place to shower when I wasn't able to leave the hospital, a sympathetic ear and just a place to cry. Their volunteers dress up as Dr. Bear once a week and visit all the children's rooms. Without these services, we wouldn't have made it through our stay. We were lucky as Mason was only in hospital for 10 days. I can't imagine being the family I met that had already been there 3 months. That's why we have chosen to pledge Mason's birthday to RMH. Our hope is support those families of other sick children.