Starting the Year with Gratitude: Baby Teddy’s NICU Journey at Elmhurst

As we reflect on the incredible Family Room moments of 2024, we are reminded of the many families whose stories have touched our hearts. Among them are Tyler, Lily, and their newborn, Teddy. Their journey through the NICU was filled with love, resilience, and community—a story that truly embodies the mission for the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and Ronald McDonald House New York organization-wide.

For Tyler and Lily, Elmhurst Hospital is more than just their workplace—it’s a second home. Both employees at Elmhurst, the couple first became acquainted with the NICU when their first child was born in 2023. That experience, though brief, gave them a glimpse of the challenges faced by families with newborns in critical care.

Fast forward to November 2024, when the couple welcomed their second child, Teddy, into the world. Unfortunately, Teddy experienced complications at birth and required an extended stay in the NICU. This time, their journey was more challenging. Lily, recovering from a difficult delivery, was placed on bed rest at home for four weeks, leaving Tyler to navigate the NICU experience largely on his own.

During their first NICU experience, Tyler and Lily hadn’t spent much time in the Ronald McDonald Family Room. But with the stress and uncertainty of Teddy’s extended NICU stay, Tyler began visiting the space more regularly. Whether it was before his shift in the Emergency Department or on his days off, he found solace in the quiet, supportive environment.

Family Room Associate Feng Jin recalls Tyler’s visits fondly. “Tyler mostly stopped by in the evenings where I would offer him fresh juices and we would chat to ease his mind. I always made sure Tyler took some juices to go so Lily could enjoy them as well.”

As the days turned into weeks, Tyler’s visits became a cherished part of his routine. The Family Room became a place where he could decompress, recharge, and prepare to face the challenges of the NICU.

By late December, Lily had recovered enough to visit the hospital and reunite with Teddy. One evening, she joined Tyler in the Family Room, where she experienced the warmth and care that had become such a vital part of his days.

Lily jokingly said, “Now I see why my husband always says he will be back in 30 mins and then ending up taking 2 hours to get home. He didn’t want to leave this place! And neither do I.”

The Family Room staff was overjoyed to finally meet Lily in person and to see the family together. Feng and Jen, the Ronald McDonald Family Room staff, ensured their time in the space was just as meaningful as Tyler’s visits had been, offering fresh juices and heartfelt conversations to help them through the final leg of their NICU journey.

At the end of December, the family received the news they had been waiting for—Teddy was cleared to go home. To celebrate this milestone, the Family Room team hosted a small NICU graduation for the family. “We planned a nice NICU graduation for the family which included a delicious meal of Thai food for the parents along with a NICU graduation bag for their baby,” Feng shares.

As they prepared to bring Teddy home, Tyler and Lily expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Family Room team. “The couple could not thank us enough for helping them get through not one but two NICU stays,” Feng recalls.

For Feng and the Elmhurst Family Room staff, the gratitude was mutual. “We made sure to let Tyler and Lily know they are always welcome to visit us especially since they work at this Hospital,” Feng said.

Tyler, Lily, and Teddy’s story is a powerful reminder of why spaces like the Ronald McDonald Family Room at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst exist. Beyond providing a place to rest and recharge, these spaces offer families emotional support, connection, and community during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

As we step into 2025, we carry with us the stories of families like Tyler and Lily’s—stories of hope, resilience, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to another year of making a difference, one family at a time.

P.S. A special thank you to Tyler and Lily for allowing us to share their story. We are honored to have been a part of your journey and wish your family all the best in the new year!

Other Stories from the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Elmhurst:

Ronald McDonald Family Room Snapshot: Viviana, Victor, and Family

A Letter from a Mother in the NICU

Watch Marcellus and Natalie navigate his first year of life, in and out of the NICU!

Take a look at those stories and all of the stories written about the Family Room ate Elmhurst Hospital at https://www.rmh-newyork.org/blogs/house-happenings.