2026 F A M I L Y
P R O F I L E
The Family of Walter Escamilla Home: Bolivar, MO (Polk County)
“On February 27, I had a stress test in Bolivar with my OB-GYN. I didn’t realize
things weren’t okay—my blood pressure was 225/125. My OB-GYN got on the phone with my specialist at Cox and wanted me stabilized at CMH and life-flighted to Cox. Against medical advice, I waived that option and had my husband drive me to Cox because I didn’t think it was that bad and didn’t want to be buried in debt. I hope to never be so profoundly stupid again. Money comes and goes. Thank God Walter is safe and sound. He was delivered via emergency C-section at 34 weeks. I had superimposed preeclampsia. When I was admitted, I was already maxed out on my blood pressure medication, so I was given magnesium sulfate through an IV. It was hard on Walter’s already underdeveloped lungs, and he stopped breathing a few times. It was very scary for us during the few weeks we were there. I couldn’t see or hold Walter for the first few days because the high-risk pregnancy, high blood pressure, and the magnesium sulfate made me feel very sick. I felt very alone. I was so happy when I was finally able to see and hold my baby. I remember the first time going to the Ronald McDonald House with my husband and daughter. It was hard to be away from Walter, but it was nice to be out of the hospital. The staff were so kind. They brought Josephine a bag that had a flower blanket, a stuffed animal, a coloring book, and some other items. They had toiletries for us—nice ones! Snacks and drinks, too. It truly felt like a home away from home. I had a stroke in 2011 and use a cane. There was a room available on the first floor, and they made sure that was the one I received. It was such a relief not to have to use the stairs, especially while recovering from a C-section and already having mobility issues. Alexis and Jacob are amazing. I was often by myself, so I always appreciated their company. My husband was only able to come on the weekends, and our daughter was in school. Ky decided it would be better to use his vacation time after Walter was released from the hospital so he could help take care of him. I also made a friend, Breanna, while staying at RMH, and we still keep in touch on Facebook. We even got to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day together! I appreciate everything Ronald McDonald House did for our family—the lodging, the meals, the love, and the support. It’s truly unmatched. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
SHAREAHEART.ORG #FORRMHCOZARKS #FORRMHOZARKS