The Kuehn Family’s Story
When you think of the Ronald McDonald House, your mind likely goes straight to a physical building, a place to sleep, a warm meal, or a convenient location close to the hospital. But for Tori, Evan, Owen, and Alli Kuehn, it was so much more.
Tori’s daughter, Alli, was born at just 28 weeks. Shortly before turning a month old, she was transferred to the American Family Children’s Hospital since she was unable to breathe on her own safely.
Doctors diagnosed Alli with laryngeal stenosis, caused by an intubation attempt when she was just 2 days old. For three months, Alli stayed in the NICU as she underwent countless tests and surgeries, and the doctors worked to extubate her safely. During this time, the House became “a sanctuary” during one of the most frightening and uncertain chapters of their lives.
After months of questions and uncertainty, the doctors finally had answers for Tori that would change her life. Alli would require a trach to breathe safely on her own. This was her only option, and the doctors needed Tori to make a decision by the following morning.
In this moment, Tori felt like she was “trying to walk a tightrope in a windstorm.” For the past several months she had spent every moment completely overwhelmed juggling the medical needs of Alli while also trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her two sons, Evan and Owen. All she wanted was a quiet place to think and process everything – and Ronald McDonald House Madison was exactly that.
The evening Tori received the news, she met a family staying at the House who shared the story of their son who had also required a trach and how it was the scariest but best decision they ever made for him. After that, Tori had the strength to make her decision – she knew Alli needed the trach, especially if she wanted her to come home one day.
Throughout their journey, Ronald McDonald House Madison was Tori’s escape from uncomfortable hospital chairs, countless hours driving back and forth, and the constant beeps and alarms of hospital machines. Tori shared that the House “instantly traded the sterile, clinical isolation of the hospital for a feeling of home.” Not only did the House provide physical comfort for Tori, but she also had staff, volunteers, and other families that helped preserve her family’s emotional and mental well-being. Tori also shared that “in the middle of a deeply isolated experience, Ronald McDonald House Madison made me feel seen, supported, and fiercely protected.”
Three months after receiving her trach, Alli was able to come home and has been an unstoppable bright light to everyone in her life. During the darkest days. the Kuehn Family found comfort and support through the Ronald McDonald House Madison community.
Today, Alli’s medical journey continues, but her story is a reminder that no matter how far their journey takes them, they can always call our House a home.