14 Jan The Dellis Family
Home Gets a New Meaning: The Dellis Family Story
The Dellis family of Durant, Oklahoma never expected their journey into parenthood to begin so early. When Baby Ranger was born at just 25 weeks old, everything changed in an instant. What followed was a long, uncertain road filled with multiple hospitals, hard decisions and nine months of fighting for a future that once felt far away.
Because of Ranger’s Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, or BPD, Ranger was placed on a ventilator at Mercy in Oklahoma City. Needing specialized care, the Dellis Family transferred to a hospital in Austin, Texas, waiting on a bed back at OU Children’s Hospital for his specific needs. Once there was a room available at OU Children’s Hospital, they came back to the state. With each transition came new routines, new doctors and new fears, but one thing remained constant: the support of Ronald McDonald House.
From their very first stay to the time they went home, the House became more than a place to sleep. It was a refuge during exhausting days. A space where they could rest, eat a warm meal, and gather strength before returning to the hospital. “Having the Ronald McDonald House was the biggest blessing ever.’ Ranger’s mom, Mariah, said, “I hadn’t eaten or slept in what felt like days.”
At the House in OKC, the Dellis’ final stop before home, they were able to stay just steps away from Ranger’s hospital room. After long hours in the hospital, they took a short walk to the House, where they built a community that understood the weight of their journey.
“Meeting all of the new friends and all of the support you get from the people around you is so special. From the other families to the guest chefs, we made so many new friends.” said Mariah.
As the months continued, the family faced difficult realities beyond the hospital walls. Dad had to make the decision to quit his job so he could stay in Oklahoma City and be present for Ranger. Thanks to the amenities and services offered by RMHC for no charge, he would have had to return to work in Durant, separated from his family during one of the most critical times of their lives.
Because of RMHC-OKC, the Dellis family did not have to make that impossible choice. They were able to stay together, focused on healing and holding onto hope.
Finally, after nine long months in the hospital, the moment they had dreamed of arrived: Ranger was strong enough to go home. Leaving the House was bittersweet, marking both the end of a difficult chapter and beginning a new one.
“Home is where Ranger is. I was able to call Ronald McDonald House ‘home’ for so many months because that’s where my baby was.”
Today, the Dellis family looks back with gratitude RMHC played in their story. What began as a place to stay became a lifeline, allowing them to remain together, close to care, and supported until the very end of their journey.