When Abby Teems first learned about Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC), it was through her father, State Rep. Devan Seabaugh of Marietta, a longtime supporter of the nonprofit. But nothing could have prepared her for the day she would rely on it personally — during one of the most emotional and uncertain times of her life.
At just 13 weeks pregnant, Abby and her husband, Chayson, received devastating news: their unborn son had a rare congenital condition called an omphalocele, where the abdominal organs fail to retract into the body. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a long journey filled with fear, faith, and ultimately — hope.
A Rocky Start for Baby Carver
Carver was born on April 27, immediately whisked away to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where he underwent surgery. Along with the omphalocele, Carver’s lungs were underdeveloped, requiring him to be intubated and placed on a ventilator for nearly seven weeks.
For Abby and Chayson, who lived almost two hours away in Dallas, Georgia, the logistics of staying close to their critically ill newborn were daunting. “They really don’t give you a discharge expectation,” Abby said. “It wasn’t until the week before that we knew we’re really going home.”
A Home Away from Home
Before they were approved to stay at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House, the couple considered everything — hotels, Airbnbs, even daily commuting. But once they stepped into the Ronald McDonald House, they found more than just a place to sleep.
“It was a home away from home for the time that we were there,” Abby shared. “If we wanted to go take a nap or take a shower, we could do that and it was 10 minutes away… instead of spending half the day traveling.”
ARMHC provided the Teems family with more than proximity. It offered peace of mind. With meals, transportation, and support services, families like theirs are able to stay focused where it matters most — on their child’s recovery.
Tracey Atwater, president and CEO of ARMHC, explained the mission simply: “We offer rooms, warm meals, transportation, and support services to keep the families together… to eliminate that financial burden, which in many instances limits access to care.”
More Than Just a Building
ARMHC operates two houses in Atlanta, with a third under construction on the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital campus. Demand has surged — growing over 90% in the last two years. In 2024 alone, the organization placed over 1,300 families in hotel rooms when space ran out at their facilities.
For the Teems family, sharing space with other NICU parents created a silent bond. “You’re pulling in at whatever time of the night, and there’s somebody else doing the same thing,” Abby recalled. “Knowing we weren’t alone… you connect on a weird emotional level.”
The Long Road Home
After three intense and emotional months in the NICU, the Teems family finally brought Carver home. Now over nine months old, Carver is thriving — off his feeding tube, eating well, and full of promise.
Abby describes the experience as both a blur and a miracle. “We went through a lot… but thinking about it, it’s just a miracle that he’s here.”
The family now advocates for ARMHC, sharing their story in hopes of inspiring support. “I can sit here today and say I know that your donations are going further than you think they are,” Abby said. “Without the Ronald McDonald House, there’s a lot of families that either wouldn’t be able to see their children as much in the hospital or would spend so much time traveling.”
Her message to other families facing similar hardships is simple: “Try to get a room. Do whatever it takes. It will help. The Ronald McDonald House will definitely alleviate a lot of stress.”
A Legacy of Support
Rep. Seabaugh echoed his daughter’s gratitude: “It’s more than a place to stay. It’s a home away from home where families can focus on their child’s healing without the stress of finding accommodations.”
Having experienced it firsthand, the Seabaugh-Teems family has become passionate advocates for a cause that once felt distant — until it became deeply personal.