The Sims Family
A’kirah Sims was working at McDonald’s and living in Tampa, Florida, when she learned she was expecting a baby. After having complications from previous pregnancies, she knew she would have to take it easy. On a visit to her hometown of Biloxi to celebrate Christmas with family, she made the decision to move home due to complications from having a high-risk pregnancy.
While receiving maternity care in Mobile, A’Kirah said she gained clarity on her high-risk pregnancy and talked with her medical team about ways to prolong the pregnancy so she could deliver closer to her June due date.
“Everything got better for me as far as getting the right information to help me carry out this pregnancy,” A’Kirah said. “I really appreciate the care I received in Mobile.” She was told she would need to go on bedrest in February at 23 weeks pregnant. Baby Kayce, however, had different ideas and made his grand entrance the following day, weighing just 1lb, 1oz.
A’Kirah spent a week in the hospital before checking in to RMHC of Mobile. “I’m able to stay close to my son and I’m provided with everything during my stay — from food, toiletries, even someone to just talk to,” she said.
A’Kirah said she never feels alone at RMHC of Mobile and has met people who have similar circumstances and therefore understand what she’s going through.
“So far I’ve bonded with two moms who both have NICU babies, and we walk back and forth from the hospital together to see our babies,” she added.
While in Florida A’Kirah was the manager at a McDonald’s for four years. Fortunately, she was able to transfer to Biloxi. She said she’s thankful she was able to take maternity leave and that McDonald’s offers opportunities for growth.
A’Kirah’s is a full-circle story that has special meaning for RMHC of Mobile. McDonald’s is the forever mission partner for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and one of the ways it supports RMH is through the Round-Up program in which customers can round up their total to the nearest dollar to support their local RMH chapter. All of the money raised through Round-Up goes directly to Ronald McDonald House to help provide families with a safe and comfortable environment. McDonald’s crew members like A’Kirah play a key role by asking customers to Round-Up for RMHC. Today, she is seeing first-hand how those pennies add up to help families like hers.
A’Kirah said she is filled with joy watching baby Kayce’s progression. “He’s getting stronger every day — even at two pounds he’s big to me because I know where he started from.” She’s hopeful, she added, that Kayce will be going home around his original June due date. Until then, however she’s grateful her son is getting the best care from the doctors and nurses at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
