Anniston, AL (September 12, 2017) — Nekyia and Alex Tilman, originally from Alaska, just moved to Daytona Beach, FL three weeks ago for her husband’s work. At 38 weeks pregnant, Nekyia elected to make the flight to Daytona Beach from Alaska while her husband met her there with the U-haul full of their family’s belongings. Little did either of them know that their arrival in Florida would coincide directly with Florida’s mandatory evacuation from Irma – one of the most dangerous hurricanes on record to hit the Atlantic.
Because of the impending hurricane, Nekyia quickly began researching hospitals in Alabama and Georgia because she knew having her son out of state was probable given that she was being evacuated past her due date. Thankfully, Alex and Nekyia found that the baby-friendly facility at RMC in Anniston had everything they were looking for.
After driving for 12 hours and at 41+ weeks pregnant, Nekyia’s water broke about 6 hours after they arrived at the hotel. And Alex and Nekyia’s new bundle of joy, Codan Merrick Tilman, was delivered on Sunday, September 10th at 12:12 pm by Dr. Joshua Johannson.
“I knew having my baby out of state due to Hurricane Irma evacuation was a possibility and I wanted to make sure we were close to one of the best hospitals,” said Mrs. Tilman. “I called RMC, called my insurance to be sure they would cover my delivery at RMC and we were so thankful this is where we ended up delivering. Everyone has been wonderful.”
According to Ms. Tilman, no significant damage was done to their home that they have been made aware of, but their neighborhood is still without power. Having arrived with their dog and cat that was boarded at the nearby veterinarian’s office, they are scheduled to be discharged later today.
RMC SPECIAL PHOTO CAPTION: Hurricane Irma Evacuee Delivers Precious Gift at RMC in Anniston. Nekyia and Alex Tilman’s son, Codan Merrick Tilman, was delivered on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at 12:12 pm by Dr. Joshua Johannsen.
About RMC Health System
With 323 inpatient beds at RMC Anniston, 104 beds at RMC Jacksonville and 125 acute care beds at Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, as well as numerous outpatient facilities and physician offices, RMC is the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Northeast Alabama. With more than 2,200 employees, 300 volunteers and over 200 primary care and specialty physicians, the expanded RMC Health System provides state-of-the-art integrated healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC Anniston is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement and Maternity Care, and is the first designated Baby Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. All three hospitals within RMC Health System are accredited by The Joint Commission, the leading accrediting agency for hospitals in the U.S. For more information, visit www.rmccares.org.
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