Share-a-Night 2024

The Pantanella family’s journey into parenthood took an unexpected turn when their 28-week checkup revealed a harrowing diagnosis, setting them on a path filled with uncertainty and resilience.

Tony and Amanda Pantanella were enjoying their second year of marriage while eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, Melody. Despite thorough preparation and a solid birth plan, Amanda’s intuition hinted something was not right during her 28-week checkup. Amanda’s concerns only materialized when her doctors diagnosed her with preeclampsia, resulting in immediate admission to Erlanger Hospital, an hour away from home.

The uncertainty of Amanda’s condition led to daily monitoring and admission until the baby’s arrival, ideally at 35 weeks. However, just three days into her stay at Erlanger Amanda experienced severe pain, leading to an emergency C-section and the early arrivial of Melody at 1 pound, 13 ounces.

The couple faced numerous unexpected challenges as their initial birth plan was overturned, and baby Melody was very early. Tony recalls the emotional turmoil they felt, and seeking solace in prayer alongside their doula as he faced uncertainty not only in his baby’s arrival, but the health of his wife during delivery.

However, Melody’s arrival marked the beginning of a new journey.  Amanda was discharged, healthy and healing, on April 21st, but the doctors informed the couple that Melody would need to stay in the NICU indefinitely as she grew.

Thankfully, from the guidance of Erlanger social workers, Tony and Amanda turned to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga, and found respite from commuting stress, hotel expenses, and handling meals.

“It was relief,” said Amanda.  “I walk into this house and it does feel like our temporary home. It’s amazing.”

“So many things are out of our control,” said Tony. “Having some stability of just being able to walk across the street, have a place to eat a meal, rest and lay our head down on a nice comfortable bed, do our laundry- it’s just all the things that we take for granted. It’s all so easily accessible here.”

Their stay at Ronald McDonald House allowed Tony and Amanda to focus on the only thing that mattered to them, Melody’s care. The couple called RMHC home for 6 weeks as Melody grew her strength in the NICU next door.

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