Born at just 24 weeks and weighing a mere 1 pound, 7 ounces, Max McCartney was simply put, a miracle.
"I was happy that at the time he was okay and they were doing everything they could to make sure that he was going to survive," Megan McCartney told 7 Eyewitness News.
With the help of the staff at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Max fought for his life in the NICU. Megan began spending as many as 12 hours a day at her baby’s side, hours she often felt helpless.
"Not being able to like hold my son or feed him or anything was so hard."
The long drive to and from the hospital only added stress to an already stressful situation, that is until the Ronald McDonald House stepped in to help.
"I packed my stuff up and I got home and I pretty much moved to the Ronald McDonald house for four months."
Because of the Ronald McDonald House, Megan was able to stay near the hospital, with other families who understood the battle her and her newborn were facing.
"If it wasn’t for the Ronald McDonald house I would’ve only been able to see my son once a week," Megan said.
As the weeks passed Max grew stronger and Megan solidified bonds with not only her son but the other Ronald McDonald House families.
Six years and a million milestones later Max is an active, smiling, yet reserved, 6-year-old. This soon to be first grader is just like any other little boy. He enjoys his Legos, spending time with his cousins and baseball.
And once again the Ronald McDonald House stepping up to the plate, connecting a boy and his love of the game by granting him the chance to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Buffalo Bison's game.
A big move for a little boy who beat the odds.
