For many of us in Richmond, we’ll think back on January 2016 and remember the incredible snow storm that struck central Virginia. Schools were out for a week, businesses closed, and all of the bread and milk vanished from the shelves of the grocery store. But, for Nancy and Basye Gillions, the snowstorm of 2016 marks a milestone in their lives, the arrival of their baby boy, Basye, Jr.

Basye surprised his family by making an early appearance. The Gillions live in the Northern Neck, an hour’s drive from Henrico Doctors Hospital where Basye would be delivered. Weighing in at 6 lbs. 5 oz., baby Basye was immediately transferred to the hospital’s NICU because he was having difficulty breathing.

Nancy was released from the hospital but Basye needed to stay in the NICU. Nancy says, “We were overwhelmed with emotion, all I could think about was Basye and if he was OK. Someone from the hospital tablets mentioned the Ronald McDonald House and arranged for us to have a room there. I hadn’t even had a chance to think about where I would sleep at night, I just knew I didn’t want to be far from Basye.”

The Gillions checked in at the Ronald McDonald House, just five miles from the hospital. “We arrived and were greeted by Anthony, a House Assistant, who was so kind and approachable. It just seemed like they knew exactly what we needed. There were meals and comfortable beds, a place to shower. I could focus on Basye instead of the chores of daily life.”

After 5 nights in the NICU, Basye was released from the hospital and able to go home. “We were thrilled to bring Basye home and get adjusted to life as a family of three. We will always remember how much easier the Ronald McDonald House made our journey.”