On November 19, 2010 at 1203pm an angel was given to our family.  Ryleigh Shannon Castleberry was born at Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla, GA.  Within a very short time we were hit with the news that our daughter was in respiratory failure due to congential pnuemonia and was on a ventilator.  She was going to be taken to the Medical Center of Central Georgia Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit.  Our FIRST concern was to go with her.  Despite the doctor's recommendation for Mom to stay overnight in the maternity ward in Ocilla, we packed up the stuff we had excitedly packed less than 24 hours earlier and we were Macon bound! 

Our home is approximately 60 miles from where our daughter would be cared for.  Because she was not born at the Medical Center, there would not be a room for us in the hospital, but traveling home while she was treated was an unbearable option for us.

The social worker with the hospital linked us up immediately with a referral to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, just a few blocks from where Ryleigh was being cared for.  Luckily, there was an opening! 

We were grateful guests at the House for 8 days.  These were some of the most precious days of our lives.  We were able to be close to our daughter and have a wonderful environment to rest and refuel when we needed it.  The Lord's servants were a constant presence, be it a meal provided, a friendly smile or another family sharing in our situation. 

The agape love shown at the Ronald McDonald House is remarkable.  We were certainly blessed to have had the opportunity to be there, even through our baby's first Thanksgiving! 

Although it was a very stressful and scary time for our family, we can look back on the birth of our daughter and her first week of life with warm memories as we were loved through that difficult time with encouragement from so many volunteers (those both seen and unseen).

We are proud to report that our newest edition made a full recovery from her condition and is a thriving and beautiful part of our family.  She joined her two brothers (Luke and Will) and sister (Leah) to complete our family perfectly.

We are now on a mission to support this cause in order for it to serve others who are in this same season of life.  Please join us in giving to this organization that is so dear to our hearts.  Any amount is a blessing to a family in need. 

In honor of our daughter Ryleigh Shannon, we will be lifelong partners with the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia to bring comfort and care to families in need. 

Thank you for your support and for passing along our story of our greatest blessing!

Please be aware that if we can meet our goal, November 19, 2011 (Ryleigh's first birthday) will be named Ryleigh Castleberry Day at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia in Macon.  It costs approximately $1000 to run the House per day.  Please help us to honor Ryleigh on her birthday!

~Mike, Angie, and Ryleigh Castleberry

 

 

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