2026 F A M I L Y
P R O F I L E
Curt & Jennifer Harrison Home: Springfield, MO (Greene County)
“At our 20 week scan, there was a soft marker on the ultrasound for our baby due in February 2024. After genetic testing and another ultrasound, my husband, Curt, and I were told there was a 96% chance our little girl would be born with Down syndrome. We began traveling an unknown road filled with anxiety.
At about 24 weeks, we learned there was something else wrong with her stomach and intestines called duodenal atresia, but we would not be able to determine the cause until after she was born—and possibly not until surgery. We were also told she would be immediately admitted to the NICU. Due to this medical issue, our baby could not process the amniotic fluid normally. I retained more fluid, eventually measuring at 40 weeks while I was only 34 weeks along, and went into early labor on January 2, 2024. Livanna (Liv) Faith Harrison was born around 6:30 that morning. The doctors first conducted an echocardiogram to make sure everything was healthy with her heart. The head surgeon from Cardinal Glennon was on rounds during that time. so we were able to have the surgery in Springfield. During this time, our family was trying to navigate how to juggle life with Liv and three other children at home. The hospital referred us to the Ronald McDonald House. Since we lived nearby and there were many families with children in the NICU at that time, we did not qualify to stay in a room but were allowed a day pass. It was a tremendous blessing. I never left the hospital, choosing to stay by my daughter’s side, sleeping in the chair next to her. For nine weeks, I went to the Ronald McDonald House for lunch and later dinner. The staff provided me with extra shirts, socks, and toiletries. I was thankful to have access to a shower and a place to freshen up, as well as to wash my laundry. During this time, I worked remotely, and there were moments when I went upstairs to work, eat, and even use the printer. I was also thankful for the snacks near the door so I could grab something to have later. As families were able to go home from the NICU, rooms became available, and I was offered a place to stay. I chose to remain by my daughter’s bedside, but I was very thankful the room was offered to us. On evenings and weekends, my husband would sometimes join me for a meal or bring the kids for a visit. Having the Ronald McDonald House available to us allowed us to have family time. My husband would bring the children, and while he spent time with Liv, I would take them to the Ronald McDonald House for a meal or games. They also enjoyed participating in Bingo one night. My husband would eventually join us, and that time was precious to us, as it allowed us to be together. Another blessing of being at the Ronald McDonald House was the people I met during that time. At first, I kept to myself but eventually began visiting with others. I met many precious families during dinner and tried to be an encouragement as I listened to their stories and shared mine. A few weeks before I left, I met a couple who had a baby born at 26 weeks and two other children at home. When I left, I handed our card games to the dad, knowing how precious that family time was—simply being together and playing. I am so thankful for the Ronald McDonald House and all the staff who loved on us during that time. Taking the burden off me by providing the necessities I needed while I stayed by my daughter’s side now brings tears to my eyes as I reflect on it. I was able to focus on her and balance time with my family without worrying about my next meal or having to leave for an extended period just to shower. Having a place for our family to gather gave us space to enjoy one another during such a difficult time. The community of families became an encouragement to me, and I prayed I could be an encouragement to others. Thank you so much for all that the Ronald McDonald House provides for families during times of need.”
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