In just over one year of life, Devin Jackson has overcome many obstacles. Born two months early, he was diagnosed with Tetraology of Fallot – a congenital heart defect, requiring multiple surgeries. At just two weeks, he underwent his first heart surgery that was essential to keep him stable enough to continue to grow.
One year later, the second part of the surgery was performed and seemed successful – until Devin coded in his mother’s arms. LaTasha Jackson felt helpless as she stood there and watched the medical team work to bring her son back to life.
It was in this moment that LaTasha felt the powerful significance of the Ronald McDonald House. As the medical team worked to stabilize Devin, other mothers that she had met at the house ran to her side and stayed until he was stable.
When the doctors told her that Devin needed a tracheotomy, LaTasha turned to another RMHC family who shared with her their personal experiences, which helped make her decision. Today, she is so happy she got the opportunity to meet with that family when making that decision. Latasha explained, “I got my baby back. He is a happy and smiling boy. It just brings me so much joy to see how well he is developing.”
LaTasha has spent six months with us as Devin continues to get healthy. There were so many dark times that LaTasha felt completely helpless. Staying at the House alone with her own family over an hour away, she found support and comfort in the other families. “I have developed family here at RH. These other mothers are not just friends, they are my sisters. We stick together no matter the situation.”
Devin continues to improve each day and LaTasha is looking forward to going home soon. But until then, she finds all the comforts she needs here at the Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor. “It’s the little things you can take for granted – a hot bath, a bottle of shampoo, an RMHC staff member taking the time to map directions for me to go shopping. These things make the biggest difference when someone is going through a difficult time.”
