ROCHESTER, N.Y. — When Lydia and Jay Schadler were expecting their second child and went in for their 20-week ultrasound, they never expected to receive news that would change their lives forever. The Ronald McDonald House helped them through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“We were doing the ultrasound and the lady stepped out, said she had to use the bathroom and get a drink. I was like, that’s not normal,” Jay said. “That was when they first realized she had a skeletal dysplasia.”
Their daughter, Micheala, was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. Doctors told the Schadlers she would likely live for only two days.
“It is very challenging to have your child in the NICU, and there’s nothing you can do to help them. That’s just an awful feeling as a parent to look at your kid and say I know you need help, but I can’t help you,” Lydia said.
As days turned into weeks, the Schadlers (who live in Hopewell, almost an hour away from the hospital) were never more than steps away from Baby Micheala at the Ronald McDonald House within Golisano Children’s Hospital. After two weeks staying at the hospital, they moved to the Westmoreland House down the road.
“We were able to have JJ come join us, and so he was happy to come and be with us,” Lydia said. “I remember him coming over and the third time he met her, and saying. I guess if you’re going to stick around, I better get to know you.”
Nine-year-old older brother JJ described what it was like meeting his baby sister for the first time.
“It was just like, alright, this is my new sister, like, hi?” JJ said. “What I love the most is holding her.”
“It was probably a little over two months in before one of the doctors said she might make it,” Jay said.
The Schadlers stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for 167 days, five and a half months, as Micheala underwent dozens of surgeries and procedures. Each day with their daughter became a precious gift.
“She’s a little fighter … they told us in the early days in the NICU that they like them feisty and that’s definitely what she is,” Jay said.
“Our moments with Micheala happen because there are so many people behind the scenes,” Lydia said.
“Some of the doctors mentioned that us being there is part of the reason she’s still here and we were able to be there because of the Ronald McDonald House,” Jay said.
The Schadlers’ journey highlights the importance of support and togetherness during challenging times. They are one of hundreds of families that stay with the Ronald McDonald House while their children receive critical, sometimes lifesaving, medical care in Rochester every year.
BEE A Hero Day fundraiser
The Ronald McDonald House is holding its annual BEE A Hero Day fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 16, aiming to raise money to help families like the Schadlers. News10NBC is partnering with 92.5 WBEE for the fundraiser. Watch from our newscasts 4:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. for live coverage of the fundraiser.
You can donate to the Ronald McDonald House online here. You can also call (585) 559-HERO (4376) or Text HERO to (585) 252-9233.
Previous stories on Ronald McDonald House
Here’s our previous coverage on the impact of the Ronald McDonald House:
- ‘We’re blessed’; Ronald McDonald House helps parents whose baby spent 145 days in NICU
- BEE A Hero Day surpasses goal: See impact of Ronald McDonald House
- Ronald McDonald House Charities introduces mobile healthcare and mental health programs
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