A Joyful Update: Riaan at Two

As of February 2026, Riaan is a thriving, curious two-year-old who continues to amaze his family every day.

He recently graduated from NICU Development and is hitting milestones with confidence. Riaan can count to 20 and, true to form, loves counting everything he sees. He knows his primary colors, sings his ABCs, and proudly identifies letters. Learning has quickly become one of his favorite adventures.

At home, Riaan stays busy. He loves shooting hoops on his little basketball hoop, playing with animals, and exploring hands-on activities. Whether he is at the museum, the zoo, or the botanical gardens, he approaches the world with excitement and wonder.

Through RMHC NEO, Riaan met a friend named Bailey, and the pair now spend lots of time together, another reminder of the lasting connections formed during their stay. Asheba says Riaan carries both an introverted and extroverted side. His outgoing, energetic personality reflects Riaan, while his quieter, more thoughtful moments remind them of Roman.

“Riian’s personality shows Roman is still here,” Asheba shares.

Roman’s belongings are lovingly set up in Riian’s room, a meaningful way the family honors his memory while celebrating the joy Riian brings each day. Through it all, their home is filled with growth, resilience, and love. Riian’s journey is a testament not only to medical progress, but to the strength of family and the power of community support.

In December 2023, Asheba Brooks gave birth to twin boys, Riaan and Roman, nine weeks early. Riaan was taken straight to the NICU, and Roman left this life shortly after birth.

New parents, Asheba and Ronald, found themselves navigating the loss of one child while fighting for the health of the other. The days ahead were filled with hospital visits and uncertainty. During this time, they were introduced to the Ronald McDonald Family Room, a space where they found comfort, support, and a community of parents facing similar struggles.

“There were two moms in particular who supported me,” Asheba said. “One also had a C-section, and she reassured me that the pain and healing process would get better. That gave me the motivation I needed. Another mom saw me crying in the parking lot one day and just gave me a hug, telling me everything would be okay. We were all walking similar paths, and that bond was incredibly comforting.”

As they processed their loss and focused on Riaan’s medical journey, the couple realized that their son’s hospital stay would be longer than expected. A social worker suggested they stay at the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House, where they could be close to Riaan without the added stress of daily travel. “Even though we didn’t live far from the hospital, gas and parking expenses added up quickly,” Asheba shared.

Beyond the physical comforts, the House became a place of emotional refuge. “One of the ‘House Mom’s’ as we called her, was wonderful. She listened and truly cared. She even offered donated Cavs tickets to Ronald so he could take a break, which he really needed,” Asheba recalled.

Today, Riaan is thriving. He recently graduated from the Cleveland Sight Center with no vision issues and is now an active, energetic toddler who swims and plays at the Little Gym.

Through their journey, Asheba and Ronald have returned the love and support in sharing their experience. A video the family was featured in for RMHC NEO was played in the NICU, and another twin mom saw it, finding comfort in her words. “That’s what I want—to share our story so other families going through something similar know they’re not alone,” Asheba said. “We are givers, and if I can give anything, I want it to be hope.” The family’s positivity and openness continue to inspire, offering a message of strength, love, and the power of community.