05 Sep Susice family journey

Becky Susice was 25 weeks pregnant and leading her dance studio’s annual showcase on a Friday evening last June when she unexpectedly went into labor. What had been a vibrant celebration of dance quickly turned into a race against time as Becky was rushed to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston. At 5:55 p.m., her son, Axton John Susice, made his dramatic and far-too-early entrance into the world, forever altering the lives of Becky and her husband, Ryan.

Axton

The medical team at Mount St. Mary’s worked tirelessly to deliver Axton. He was incredibly fragile, his future uncertain. The staff acted quickly to stabilize him before he was transferred to the NICU at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo (OCH), marking the beginning of a challenging journey for the Susice family.

Though Becky’s body was recovering, and she was released from the hospital, Axton’s fight for survival was just beginning, and the path ahead was steep and uncertain.

During Axton’s time in the NICU, Becky and Ryan found support at the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo. The house provided them with a comforting place to stay close to the hospital, allowing them to remain near Axton as he fought for his life.

Though they were reeling from the sudden turn of events, they found solace in the community of families facing similar challenges. During their stay, the Susice family formed deep bonds with the Hernandez, White, and Foster families. The shared experiences forged unbreakable connections, and these relationships became a source of strength and hope.

The Susice Family

“When we first started staying at the house, we were so overwhelmed, still in shock from what was happening. But after a few days at the house, we started talking to other families staying there and formed some great friendships. Everyone we met was so nice. We were all going through a tough situation, but everyone was so kind to each other, making it seem like a home away from home,” Ryan reflected.

Fast-forward to today. Axton recently celebrated his first birthday, a milestone that once seemed impossible. Though he still faces medical challenges, he continues to make progress, a testament to his resilience and the unwavering support of his parents and community.

Ryan says, “Axton is doing really good! He is getting so big and trying to stand on his own…take a few steps. Plus, he’s developing his own little personality.”

Since opening its doors in 1983, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has welcomed more than 21,000 families like the Susices from New York, surrounding states, and outside the USA. Families also benefit from our hospital programs—the Ronald McDonald Family Room at OCH, and the Hospitality Carts at OCH and Sisters of Charity hospitals.