3/9/2026 by Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois
This year, as Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois celebrates 40 years of service, the Maddox family is celebrating a milestone of their own.
Their son, Scott, was born at Memorial Medical Center on December 20, 1986. Just three days later, their world changed. Scott developed a high-grade fever and infection and was rushed to St. John’s Neo-Natal ICU. Doctors determined he had strep B spinal meningitis. He was a very sick baby.
2/10/2026 by Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois
The Edwards family is from Quincy, Illinois, and during Amy’s pregnancy with Payton, her blood pressure spiked to a dangerous level. Doctors made the decision to transfer her to Springfield for specialized care. Payton was born 11 weeks early, weighing just 2 pounds. Amy spent one week in the hospital, and Payton spent 77 days in the NICU.
“It was the scariest thing that we’ve probably ever had to do,” Amy shared.
11/13/2025 by RMHCCI
When little Duncan needed specialized care in the NICU and PICU at OSF, his family faced a challenging and uncertain journey. Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex heart condition made up of four heart defects, Duncan required a 30-day hospital stay. For his mom, Jamie, and sister Delilah, the question quickly became: how would she manage this alone, and how could she care for both children during such a critical time?
8/7/2025 by Ronald McDonald House
When Evan and Brooke Davidson from Carthage, Illinois, welcomed their second son, Huxton, into the world two months early, their lives changed overnight. With Huxton needing care in the NICU in Springfield, they found themselves hours from home, separated from their older son Judson, and facing the unknown.
3/5/2025 by RMHCCI
Ronan was a prankster with a deep love for life and an even deeper love for his family. His sense of humor and endless energy brought joy to everyone around him. Whether he was teasing his sister—always with a twinkle in his eye—or dreaming of his future as a farmer, Ronan embodied the vibrant, hopeful spirit of childhood. He loved boating, farming, and the simple pleasures of being outdoors, always looking ahead to a bright future.
12/2/2024 by RMHCCI
When Jalee and Derek Suddarth welcomed their daughter Collins into the world, she weighed just 1 lb 11 oz. Born extremely premature, Collins faced cardiac issues and gross motor delays, spending the first 109 days of her life in the NICU. For the Suddarths, living in Bloomington, the thought of traveling back and forth to Peoria during this time felt overwhelming—until a nurse introduced them to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois.
12/2/2024 by RMHCCI
For the Gomez family, the arrival of their triplets—Darleny, Eithan, and Derian—was filled with uncertainty and hope. Born at just 25 weeks, these tiny fighters faced a long road in the NICU, spending nearly four months growing and gaining strength before they could finally go home.
12/5/2023 by RMHCCI
In this video, you'll hear firsthand accounts from Mom about her experiences at the Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Illinois (RMHCCI) during this challenging time. She reflects on the significance of RMHCCI in their lives and the support it provides.
11/25/2023 by RMHCCI
In this heart-touching video, we share the incredible story of Maverick, a true miracle baby born at just 25 weeks, weighing only 1 lb, 10.5 ounces. Maverick's parents, Ricky Schopp and Jessica Kragness, take us through their emotional journey of hope and healing, sharing their experiences and gratitude.
10/10/2023 by RMHCCI
Join us in watching this touching video that showcases the strength of Jaxon and his family, the vital role of RMHCCI, and the power of love and community in overcoming life's most challenging moments. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that RMHCCI can have on families.