Originally from Farmington, NM, Aaliyah was receiving care locally, but once the heart condition was identified, their journey took an unexpected turn. The couple had to start traveling to Albuquerque, a three-hour drive each way, for monthly appointments with a cardiologist. It wasn’t long before the specialists advised them to head to Denver for the best possible care. With just three days to pack and prepare, Aaliyah and Ricky found themselves on their way to Denver—Aaliyah’s first time on a plane. It was an exciting, but stressful, experience.
At 25 weeks, Aaliyah began experiencing contractions, a frightening moment that doctors managed to stabilize. Now at 37 weeks, she’s in a much better place. The medical team is optimistic she’ll carry the baby to at least 38 weeks, and the baby boy is showing good signs of growth, movement and development. Aaliyah’s fluid levels, which had been a concern in New Mexico, have stabilized, allowing her to stay active and walk every day. Aaliyah and Ricky are hoping that after he’s born, their son won’t need immediate surgery and can wait until he’s around six months old for the procedure.
When Aaliyah and Ricky arrived in Denver, they weren’t sure what to expect or whether they could have their daughter with them. Thankfully, RMHC-Denver is here to support the entire family, and they’ve found a close-knit community. During those early days, their 3-year-old daughter Neveah stayed with her grandma, but once things settled, Ricky went back to bring her to Denver. Now reunited, the family is enjoying precious time together as they wait for their baby boy’s arrival.
“Knowing we’re just minutes from the care our baby needs brings us peace of mind. RMHC-Denver has been a lifeline for our family during this journey, giving us not only a place to stay but also a space to keep our active 2-year-old busy and happy.“
For Aaliyah and Ricky, staying at RMHC-Denver has been a huge blessing. They rave about the meals, especially the time the chef team surprised them with something they’d been missing—green chili! “It’s the little comforts that make all the difference,” Aaliyah shared. They’ve been enjoying daily walks around the neighborhood, and the variety of activities RMHC-Denver offers has kept them busy and distracted during this waiting period. From trips to the Denver Zoo and Avalanche hockey games to a visit to Meow Wolf, the family has found ways to make positive memories during a stressful time.
Financially, support from RMHC-Denver has been a godsend. Ricky is a carpenter but hasn’t been able to work while they’re away from home. “We couldn’t do this without them,” Ricky said.
With RMHC-Denver by their side, Aaliyah, Ricky, Neveah, and soon-to-be baby boy are feeling supported, hopeful and ready for the next step in their journey.
