30 Jan Five Minutes to Ruby: Helping RMHCNN Parents Every Step of the Way

Lauren knew there could be complications when she was admitted to Renown Health at just 24 weeks pregnant and placed on bed rest. Her husband, Ruben, refused to leave her side, sleeping on the cot next to her hospital bed.

“The placenta wasn’t giving nutrients to the baby, but they said as long as she was okay, I would just stay in the hospital and be monitored,” she says.

Baby Ruby is now home and enjoying life.

That plan changed in an instant.

Just one week later, doctors delivered urgent news — her baby, Ruby, was no longer okay.

“In 15 minutes, you’re having a C-section.”

At just 25 weeks, Ruby came into the world, weighing a fragile one pound, four ounces. She was rushed to the Renown Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before Lauren even had a chance to see her.

While Ruby began her journey in the NICU, Lauren and Ruben faced an overwhelming new reality — weeks, maybe months, of uncertainty. The stress of being away from home, medical worries, and financial strain weighed heavily on them.

A Home Away From Home

With their home in Carson Valley, visiting Ruby in the NICU meant an exhausting hour-long drive each way. The thought of spending hours on the road every day while navigating the emotional rollercoaster of the NICU was overwhelming for the new parents.

Thankfully, Ruben’s family had experience with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas, so when they were offered a place to stay here at RMHCNN, they didn’t hesitate. They moved in the day Lauren was discharged from the hospital, settling into their home away from home while Ruby continued to grow stronger at Renown — an incredible 127-day journey.

Spending that much time at the House brought a mix of emotions.

“We saw so many families come and go, bringing their babies home,” Lauren recalls. “It was tough because I wanted that for us, but at the same ti

Ruby’s NICU nurses, Sydney (left) and Michelle (right)

me, I was so grateful Ruby was getting the care she needed.”

During their stay, they connected with people they never would have met otherwise — like a family from Italy who had traveled to Reno to pick up their adopted baby. But one of the most unexpected and meaningful friendships came from another mom in the NICU, Colleen.

Colleen’s daughter was born six weeks after Ruby, and Lauren met her on Colleen’s very first night in the NICU. When Lauren learned that Colleen was also staying at the Ronald McDonald House, their connection was immediate — a friendship forged in the shared experience of uncertainty and hope.

“We trauma-bonded over our babies,” Lauren laughs. “It was really comforting to have someone who understood exactly what we were going through.”

That connection lasted well beyond their NICU days. Lauren and Colleen still talk every day, sharing struggles, photos, videos, milestones, and support. Living close to one another, they now take walks together and even attend the same breastfeeding support group.

Beyond the friendships, Lauren and Ruben deeply appreciated the warmth of the Ronald McDonald House, along with the staff and volunteers who made it feel like home.

“It’s such a comforting place,” Lauren says. “They do everything they can to make you feel welcome.”

One of the biggest reliefs was the fully stocked and spotless kitchen.

“Every week, volunteers would come in and cook dinner for everyone, which was amazing,” Lauren says. “It took so much stress off our shoulders while we were trying to focus on Ruby.”

Interested in helping families like Lauren and Ruben’s?
Click here to sign up to be a Guest Chef

And when they first arrived, Lauren and Ruben’s assigned room had twin beds.

“We really like each other,” Lauren laughs. “So we tried to squeeze into one bed just to have that comfort.”

When they mentioned it to the staff, the House quickly made arrangements, moving them into a room with a queen bed as soon as one became available — a small but meaningful gesture that made all the difference.

Steps Away From Ruby

Of course, the best thing about the Ronald McDonald House is its proximity to Renown.

“From our door at the House to Ruby’s bedside in the NICU, it’s just a five-minute walk,” Ruben says.

“It gives you real peace of mind to know how close you are,” Lauren says. “Because of how early she was and how small she was, it was real hit or miss at the beginning.”

Any time the hospital called with news about Ruby, Lauren had the same response: “Sit tight — I’m on my way.”

Now, looking back on their journey, Ruben and Lauren feel nothing but gratitude.

“We just want to give everyone at the Ronald McDonald House a heartfelt thank you for giving us a place to stay during one of the darkest times in our lives,” Ruben says. “Ruby says thank you too. We just can’t thank you enough.”