A Life-Changing Diagnosis
At a routine pregnancy checkup with their doctor in Ecuador, expecting parents Catalina and Mark received devastating news – their unborn daughter, Saskia, had a giant omphalocele — a serious and rare birth defect in which internal organs such as the intestines, liver, and stomach grow outside the abdomen because the abdominal wall muscles do not close.
When Saskia was born at the hospital in Ecuador, Catalina and Mark were overjoyed to hear her tiny cry and know that their baby was alive. But moments later, the fragile newborn was intubated and taken to the NICU where she remained for 59 days. Saskia’s omphalocele was large and there was not enough space in her abdomen to safely replace her organs. Doctors advised waiting until she was older—perhaps four or five years old—before attempting the complex procedure.
“You don’t choose these circumstances or situations, but you can decide how to face them,” says Mark. “We decided that the three of us are in this together, and with faith in God she would be okay.”
Saskia’s early years in Ecuador were filled with specialized care, prosthetics, therapy, and regular medical checkups. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her condition, she continued to grow and thrive.
Journey to Houston
Then came a turning point. The family received news that Saskia’s case had been accepted for surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital in The Medical Center. Without hesitation, Catalina and Mark bought airline tickets and prepared for a long and uncertain adventure in hopes of improving their daughter’s quality of life. They had no family or friends in Houston and didn’t know where they would stay during Saskia’s recovery. Doctors wanted them to remain close to the hospital in case of complications following surgery.
“It was exhausting to think about everything a trip like this would require,” recalls Catalina. “The expenses, the unfamiliar city, and how to entertain Saskia during her months of recovery, when she would have considerable restrictions on her movement. But we knew that we could face whatever challenges lay ahead as long as we were together.”
At Ronald McDonald House, Catalina, Mark and Saskia discovered more than just a place to sleep, they found comfort, support, and a community that eased their stress during an incredibly delicate time. The House provided everything they needed: comfortable rooms, nutritious meals, laundry facilities, transportation to the hospital, and a variety of activities that helped keep Saskia’s inquisitive mind engaged and spirits high during her recovery.
Life at Ronald McDonald House
Saskia loved spending time in the outdoor space, visiting the fish tank in the great room, and participating in daily activities with other children. Her favorite moments were one-on-one art classes with Ms. Diana in the third-floor art studio, and morning sessions of Little Geniuses with Ms. Donna.
“What time are the activities today?” Saskia eagerly asked her parents each day.
For Saskia, Catalina and Mark, Ronald McDonald House became a true home away from home—a safe, welcoming place where their family could heal, rest, and look forward to returning to their future together.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston provides families from across the country and around the world with a place where they can stay together and remain close to the medical teams and specialized care at our partner hospitals in the Texas Medical Center.