Zoe
Baby Zoe (pronounced Zo-A) is a miracle baby by every definition
and the Savannah Ronald
McDonald House was a “Home” for his parents Jim and Carmen Simpson and
siblings Isaac and Katelyn, for more than two months. Upon being born prematurely at Meadows Regional in
Vidalia, GA, Baby Zoe was transferred to Memorial University Medical Center and was not expected to livemore than 24 hours. After being diagnosed with a highly fatal disease, hydrops fetalis, coupled with ambiguous
genitalia (having general characteristics of both genders), Zoe’s condition
was compounded by many other complications including immense swelling of his tiny body with blood and fluid, the
need for several blood transfusions and detached retinas as a result of all the swelling. Luckily, the Ronald
McDonald House was able to provide the Simpson family with shelter, a support system and the
ability to have access to their newborn baby 24 hours a day. The family’s faith and courage were repeatedly tested
throughout their journey, but proved unwavering as they fought alongside Baby Zoe during his recovery. There even
came a point when doctors recommended the family turn off the ventilator that was assisting Zoe in breathing, and
prepare to say goodbye. The Simpson family struggled for two days to make a decision. After a weekend of prayer
and togetherness with family and friends at the Ronald McDonald House, they walked across to the NICU to say goodbye.
The ventilator was removed and they waited…and Zoe continued to breath! Days passed and Zoe’s condition improved.
Tests were performed and Zoe continued to grow stronger.
Amazingly, doctors found that his retinas had re-attached, and he passed all of his vision tests. His liver had been enlarged, but began to decrease in size and his blood count began to return to normal. Finally, what the doctors had thought was “ambiguous genitalia” was not that at all, he was indeed a little boy!
Today, Zoe is home with his family in Hazelhurst, GA, growing up alongside his brother and sister. The Simpson family is so grateful for the opportunity to have had the Ronald McDonald House as their “Home away from home,” during the most traumatic time in their lives. Jim and Carmen told RMHC staff, “We were welcomed with warm smiles, and when necessary, we were respectfully given privacy to deal with emotions that are very sensitive during such a critical time. We will forever remain thankful for our entire experience at the Ronald McDonald House. You are such a major part of our story, the story of Zoe, “life”. “
More than 300 families each year share the same bond at the Savannah Ronald McDonald House as the Simpsons. Our Share A Night fund eases the financial burden of their stay and allows families to focus on the most important reason why they are here - for the healing of their children. Please consider a gift to the Share A Night fund today in honor of Baby Zoe and the many families with critically ill or injured children who are fighting for their lives right now. You can make a difference in their lives today and into tomorrow.
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McDonald House was a “Home” for his parents Jim and Carmen Simpson and
siblings Isaac and Katelyn, for more than two months. Upon being born prematurely at Meadows Regional in
Vidalia, GA, Baby Zoe was transferred to Memorial University Medical Center and was not expected to livemore than 24 hours. After being diagnosed with a highly fatal disease, hydrops fetalis, coupled with ambiguous
genitalia (having general characteristics of both genders), Zoe’s condition
was compounded by many other complications including immense swelling of his tiny body with blood and fluid, the
need for several blood transfusions and detached retinas as a result of all the swelling. Luckily, the Ronald
McDonald House was able to provide the Simpson family with shelter, a support system and the
ability to have access to their newborn baby 24 hours a day. The family’s faith and courage were repeatedly tested
throughout their journey, but proved unwavering as they fought alongside Baby Zoe during his recovery. There even
came a point when doctors recommended the family turn off the ventilator that was assisting Zoe in breathing, and
prepare to say goodbye. The Simpson family struggled for two days to make a decision. After a weekend of prayer
and togetherness with family and friends at the Ronald McDonald House, they walked across to the NICU to say goodbye.
The ventilator was removed and they waited…and Zoe continued to breath! Days passed and Zoe’s condition improved.
Tests were performed and Zoe continued to grow stronger. Amazingly, doctors found that his retinas had re-attached, and he passed all of his vision tests. His liver had been enlarged, but began to decrease in size and his blood count began to return to normal. Finally, what the doctors had thought was “ambiguous genitalia” was not that at all, he was indeed a little boy!
Today, Zoe is home with his family in Hazelhurst, GA, growing up alongside his brother and sister. The Simpson family is so grateful for the opportunity to have had the Ronald McDonald House as their “Home away from home,” during the most traumatic time in their lives. Jim and Carmen told RMHC staff, “We were welcomed with warm smiles, and when necessary, we were respectfully given privacy to deal with emotions that are very sensitive during such a critical time. We will forever remain thankful for our entire experience at the Ronald McDonald House. You are such a major part of our story, the story of Zoe, “life”. “
More than 300 families each year share the same bond at the Savannah Ronald McDonald House as the Simpsons. Our Share A Night fund eases the financial burden of their stay and allows families to focus on the most important reason why they are here - for the healing of their children. Please consider a gift to the Share A Night fund today in honor of Baby Zoe and the many families with critically ill or injured children who are fighting for their lives right now. You can make a difference in their lives today and into tomorrow.
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