When we first rushed to McMaster Children’s Hospital, my daughter Stella was short of breath and very pale. We had no idea we would be spending the next 11 days there!
I didn’t find out about RMHC South Central Ontario (RMHC SCO) until the 2nd day we were at the hospital. A kind young man came by our room with a hospitality cart filled with snacks and refreshments. I later learned this cart is called the RMHC SCO Happy Wheels Cart – a volunteer makes their way around the hospital with it offering refreshments to those who are at their child’s bedside.
I thought this was such an amazing gesture and it was this same volunteer that told me about the Ronald McDonald Family Room just outside our ward.
If we hadn't been able to use the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms or had the opportunity to be served from the Happy Wheels Cart, I would’ve had to leave Stella’s bedside multiple times throughout the day to get food. Not to mention, the convenience of accessing a computer and internet from the Family Rooms was a huge help – as a business owner, these amenities provided at the Family Rooms were crucial for me getting work done. Other amenities in the rooms included a kitchenette and table which may seem small but made it much easier for me to manage my tasks while staying close to my daughter in the hospital. Our home is a half-hour away in Binbrook, so without the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I would have had to make that trip frequently, leaving my daughter often.
Utilizing the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms allowed me to stay close to Stella while also allowing me to continue managing my responsibilities of being a business owner and a mom. One of my favorite memories is eating breakfast and watching TV with Stella in the Family Rooms; it was so comforting to sit in a living room setting and enjoy some normalcy. During our stay, it was Passover, and while we don’t celebrate it, seeing the beautiful decorations on our walks was wonderful.
I am incredibly grateful for RMHC SCO and can't imagine staying longer than 11 days; my heart goes out to families with longer stays. Donations ensure that other families can feel the same sense of normalcy and help keep them close to their sick children during such challenging times.
your support can
