2026 F A M I L Y
P R O F I L E
Fokina Family Home: Willow Springs, MO (Howell County)
“Vlad was born in August 2023 in West Plains, MO. He was
born at 40 weeks and seemed like a healthy baby until we realized he wasn’t eating. The doctors then told us that Vlad has Down syndrome. After many tests, he was rushed to the NICU. Vlad stayed in the NICU for three weeks. His oxygen levels stayed low, and he could only eat through a feeding tube. During that time, we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House by the hospital. It was a blessing to be so close to Vlad throughout his hospital stay. The staff was so kind and thoughtful. They even allowed the siblings who were too young to visit Vlad to stay at the Ronald McDonald House for a few hours. Living two hours away from the NICU, we were blessed to have a place to sleep, eat, and take care of ourselves and our clothes. Since Vlad was allowed to go home, we’ve stayed at the Ronald McDonald House on multiple occasions. Whenever Vlad had an early appointment or several appointments in a row, the Ronald McDonald House always had a room ready for us. Our family will be forever grateful for the Ronald McDonald House.”
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