GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — In May of 2023, Travis and Rachel woke up to their Grand Rapids Township pole barn apartment on fire. Rachel was 36 weeks pregnant at the time.
"Rachel had to jump out of a second story window," said Travis. "After I got Rachel out, and after I tossed our dog out, I had to run through the fire."
Rachel had a brain injury from the jump and third degree burns from the waist down. Travis also had extensive burns across his face, hands, feet and more. Her baby was delivered via emergency C-section as soon as they made it to the hospital that night.
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"I don't remember her being born," said Rachel. "Travis wasn't there. All of those things you anticipate you are just robbed of."
Brynlee was born healthy while Rachel and Travis remained in Corewell Health's care for about a month.
"Brynlee’s name actually means burned clearing," said Travis. "We decided on her name about six months before the fire."
One year later, Rachel, Travis and Brynlee took a trip back to Corewell Health to surprise their care team. It was also Brynlee's first birthday.
"Oh my gosh, I almost cried, it was so good to see them," said Alie Goodman, a nurse tech in the burn unit. "Its amazing to know we were there to help them in their worst time and how they've improved. It's really rewarding."
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Travis called the day "bittersweet," thinking about all the tough times they had in the hospital, but also celebrating their child's first year of life.
"We wouldn't be here today without a lot of the people who are here today," said Travis. "One year since the fire, but also one of the most exciting days of our lives: Becoming parents."
Travis and Rachel were also recently surprised themselves.
"We've got number two on the way," said Travis.
Rachel is seven months pregnant with another baby girl.
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"We feel like through every bit of this situation, God led us," said Travis. "Whether it’s the people he placed in our lives, or just sparing our lives or the gift of having our first born."
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