When Christina and Adrian discovered they were expecting their second child, they were filled with excitement. However, during Christina’s first ultrasound at 9 weeks, an anomaly in the spacing behind the baby’s neck raised concerns. This could be a potential indicator of chromosomal abnormalities. At the 3-month ultrasound, doctors found a serious heart defect in their unborn baby. Genetic testing led to a diagnosis of Charge Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that affects fewer than 1 in 10,000 births, causing a spectrum of issues, including heart defects and impairments in vision and hearing.
“We were devastated,” Christina says. “We didn’t know what Charge Syndrome was and what that would mean for our baby, Harper.”
Heading to Holcombe House
Given the severity of Harper’s heart condition, doctors recommended Christina deliver at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, where specialized care was available. With Christina eight months pregnant and their 18-month-old daughter Kennedy in tow, the family traveled from their home in El Paso to the RMHC on Holcombe Boulevard, just minutes from the Texas Medical Center.
“It was a whole different world at RMHC,” Christina recalls. “Seeing so many kids and babies in various stages of serious medical treatment was a surprise at first. But everyone is so supportive. It was comforting that people understood what we were going through.”
Harper’s Arrival
On June 13, Harper was born. She had a single ventricle heart and an esophageal fistula—both critical conditions, but only one could be treated at a time. Surgeons decided the esophageal fistula required immediate attention, and Harper was quickly taken in for the first of three surgeries. It would be weeks before Christina and Adrian could hold their newborn daughter. They could only touch her through the tubes, wires, and bandages surrounding her, but they longed to cradle Harper in their arms.
“I just wanted to hold Harper, but I couldn’t,” Christina says. Adrian felt torn as well, having to leave Christina at the hospital to return to Holcombe House and care for Kennedy. “Leaving Christina and Harper at the hospital was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” he recalls.
Activities, Exploration and Little Geniuses
While Christina and Adrian navigated Harper’s complex medical treatment, Kennedy blossomed at Holcombe House. The curious 18-month-old explored the playrooms, engaged in activities with other resident children, and attended the Little Geniuses preschool classes.
“She learned so much at the Little Geniuses classes. The teachers were amazing,” Christina says.
Adrian adds, “When we were dealing with Harper in the hospital and all of her medical complications, it was exhausting to try to think of ways to entertain and enrich Kennedy. Coming back to Holcombe House and having these activities and classes already waiting for us made it so easy for her to explore and learn. She’s practically grown up here!”
A Home Away From Home
The family’s stay at RMHC Greater Houston has strengthened them in ways they never imagined. Their first visit lasted 185 days, followed by another 43 days when Harper was in and out of the ICU during her recovery. At 8 months, Harper was finally cleared to go home.
“We couldn’t have done this without Ronald McDonald House,” says Christina. “From a financial standpoint, there was no way to stay in a hotel indefinitely while Harper went through her surgeries and treatments. The support we got from RMHC allowed us to be in the moment, not just for Harper, but also for Kennedy and for each other.”
RMHC Greater Houston provides more than just a place to stay—it offers supportive services that make a difficult time a little easier for families. From educational programs like Little Geniuses, to a variety of family activities that bring joy and connection during stressful times, RMHC strives to provide the resources to support every member of the family.