14 Aug Atlanta RMHC is “Home Base” for the Bryant Family
“The Atlanta Ronald McDonald House has been a home base for our family,” says Brooke Bryant, mom to Blakely.
Blakely, from LaGrange, Georgia was born 5 weeks early on August 24, 2022. She was immediately taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after birth where she was diagnosed with hypoplastic heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect.
Blakely has been in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) ever since and has had 4 open heart surgeries and countless procedures. She will remain in the CICU until she is stable enough for a heart transplant.
“We have a long road ahead us of, but we have seen miracle after miracle and are praising God in the valleys and on the mountain tops,” Brooke says.
Blakely loves her octopus, her dancing penguin, and her singing puppy dog. She also loves snuggles and playing the piano with her feet during her music therapy sessions. “Music captures her attention, and it’s beautiful to watch,” Brooke says.
Brooke, and her husband, Adam, have been staying at our House near Egleston since Blakely’s birth. They appreciate being provided with an affordable and clean place to stay that is close to the hospital.
“There have been emergencies where we had to get back to the hospital quickly, and it was reassuring to only be a block from the hospital,” Brooke says.
Brooke and Adam have 4 other children and love that they can visit with them at the House. “It has been challenging to be apart for so long, so we are grateful for the House allowing us to come together as a family,” Brooke says.
Blakely’s siblings love to play in the playroom at the House. “We are praying that our little redheaded warrior baby can play in the playroom one day too,” Brooke says.
**Update: Blakely passed away in her mother’s arms on August 15. We will remember her sweet spirit and memory.