NewsRadio Savannah and our sponsors The Dewitt Tilton Group and Primrose Schools introduces you to the Kolodjeski family and their Ronald McDonald House Of The Coastal Empire experience:
At 26 weeks pregnant, I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, and it was one of the scariest and most painful experiences of my life. Everything felt so uncertain — I didn’t know if I or my baby were going to make it. I started off at the hospital in Kingsland, GA, where I live, but my condition became critical, and I was transferred by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Savannah, GA, about two hours away. On October 30th, 2024, I gave birth to my son at just 26 weeks. He weighed only 1 lb 3 oz. Because of how early he was born, my son had to stay in the NICU for at least three months. After I was discharged, my husband and I had no idea how we would manage traveling back and forth from Kingsland to Savannah to be with him every day. It was an overwhelming and uncertain time for us.
One of the nurses mentioned to my husband and me that there was a Ronald McDonald House across the street from the hospital. We immediately reached out to inquire about getting a room. Since space is limited, we weren’t sure if we would be able to stay there. But someone was truly watching over us because later that day, we received a call from Lizzy letting us know that we qualified for a room and that one had just become available! We were beyond relieved and so grateful. Knowing that we had a safe, comfortable place to stay while our son was in the NICU meant the world to us. The Ronald McDonald House is such an amazing place — they provided meals, snacks, and a warm, supportive environment for families like ours. I was able to walk over to the hospital every day to spend time with my baby. The staff and volunteers had such kind hearts, and in such a difficult time in our lives, they made everything a little easier. Because of the Ronald McDonald House, my family and I were able to stay close to our son Luke and not miss a single moment of his early journey.
After about three months, we were finally able to take Luke home! Having our family all together under one roof again was an indescribable feeling. Between the support of our family, friends, the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Savannah, our transition from the NICU to home went so smoothly. Of course, I was a nervous wreck — Luke was still so tiny! It was a big adjustment going from 24-hour care to just me and my husband, even though Luke is our third child. Nothing can really prepare you for an experience like this. But knowing he had been so well cared for in the NICU gave us confidence that he was strong enough to be home. This past year has been a roller-coaster of emotions and constant adjustment, but Luke is now one year old and doing fantastic! We couldn’t have made it through without the incredible people who supported us along the way. We are forever grateful for all the love, care, and help we received!
How to help:
⏰ Accepting monetary donations between Now - December 15th, 2025
📍 Please deliver all cash, check, and gift card donations directly to iHeartMedia Savannah, 245 Alfred Street Savannah, GA 31408
💳Forms of donations accepted:
- Click here to make an online donation to the RMH. Add "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Checks made out to Ronald McDonald House with "Shop With A Cop" in memo.
- Visa, Master Card, AmEx or Target cards.
- Cash
Sponsored by The Dewitt Tilton Group and Express Employment! and Primrose Schools