From NICU to Home: The Ayen Family’s Journey with Hope’s Harbor

FORT WAYNE, IN – When Madison McHenry and Josh Ayen welcomed their son Dawson at just 28 weeks, their world shifted instantly. Facing an 80-day NICU stay, the Ayen family found vital support and comfort at Hope’s Harbor Family Hospitality Homes’ Dupont house.

For the first 20 nights, Hope’s Harbor provided the Ayen family with a private room at no cost, allowing them to stay close to Dawson during his most fragile days. As he grew stronger, they no longer needed overnight accommodations but still relied on Hope’s Harbor for essential support. For the next two months of Dawson’s NICU stay, they continued to find comfort there—accessing meals, daily coffee, and a quiet space to recharge—ensuring they could remain by his side every day.

“After having our boy, Dawson, at 28 weeks, Hope’s Harbor came to us immediately offering us a room,” shared Madison McHenry. “We stayed for 20 days, which was only a portion of his NICU stay, but I was so grateful for those first 20 days. Letting me be close to him in case anything happened, or just to see him longer before I went to bed. After we checked out, they were so generous in letting us keep our code in case we needed anything. I couldn’t be more thankful for Hope’s Harbor. They were a huge part of my recovery and brought me peace with Dawson being in the NICU. After 80 days in the NICU, he finally got to come home, and I tell everyone about Hope’s Harbor and how thankful I am for them.”

Hope’s Harbor, located on the campuses of Dupont and Lutheran Hospitals, offers a range of hospitality services to families of children receiving critical care. The organization’s mission is to provide a place of comfort and care through essential services—such as overnight accommodations, laundry, food, and other amenities.

In addition to Hope’s Harbor’s fourteen private overnight rooms, all NICU families are welcome to access services throughout the day. Meals, coffee, laundry facilities, a comfortable space to rest, and access to a living room and play area are available. These services are particularly beneficial for families with additional children who are unable to be on the NICU floor. Grandparents, friends and loved ones often bring siblings of the patient to Hope’s Harbor, allowing parents to be close to all their children during a challenging time.

The support provided through these services alleviates some of the financial and emotional stress families experience during an already difficult time. It ensures that parents have a welcoming place to regroup and refresh without the worry of leaving their hospitalized child for long.

“Families like the Ayens inspire us every day,” said Wendy Hoering, Executive Director at Hope’s Harbor. “Our mission is to provide the hospitality families need, in whatever way is most helpful. Whether they need a peaceful place to sleep at night or a quiet space to rest be nourished during the day, we are here to offer support so families can stay focused on their child’s healing journey.”