This post is sponsored by Soapbox Influence and Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest.
Eight years ago, when Harper was two and diagnosed with hearing loss - we were sent to the only children's hospital in Arkansas. It was in Little Rock and 3.5 hours from home. I had to take Harper who was 2 and Hollis who was a newborn to Little Rock monthly for about a year. We would leave early in the morning, have a 3-4 hour appointment and then drive the 3.5 hours home.
We did this for the next 6 years. Eventually we only had to go twice a year but by then I had to take 3 kids with me. Scott couldn't always take off work so it was stressful to drag all 3 kids by myself on a 7 hour round trip. We loved our audiologist and had wonderful care and were so grateful to have a children's hospital to go to but it was tough making that trip.
About two years ago, AR children's opened a hospital in Northwest AR and it's been life changing for us. Now I can take Harper while the other two are in school and drive 20 min for a quick appointment. (Unless it's summer and then all 3 kids go with me - but still it's an easy trip).
And it's been such a blessing to so many of my friends who have had sick kids and have been able to go to ACH here instead of taking a helicopter or ambulance or driving themselves across the state! They are adding specialists all the time which means more kids won't have to travel to be seen.
AR Children's has been very special to my family and I feel so much comfort knowing that if something were to happen to one of my kids - we have this hospital in our backyard that could help them. They have an ER 100% dedicated to kids.
And it's so colorful and kid friendly. We have seen the cast of Star Wars there and the local baseball team and high school football teams all coming to visit kids.
If you are in NWA and haven't been to visit - even if you don't have a sick kid - you should drive by and visit sometime.
I hope my kids stay healthy but I know if we need them - AR Children's Northwest is just down the road and I'm grateful!
