Meet Kristina, Jody, Logan & Joelle
When our twin babies came 12 weeks early, my husband and I began a journey no parent should have to go on.
Hometown Kitchener
Days 38
Service Used Hamilton House & Family Rooms
Our Story
When our twin babies came 12 weeks prematurely, my husband and I began a long journey no parent should have to go on.
Since our babies required care in the NICU at McMaster Children’s hospital, we became worried because we were unsure of how we would stay close. Our hometown is in Kitchener, an hour drive from the hospital one way. When the hospital social worker told us about the option of staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario (RMHC®SCO) just across the street, we went looking online to see what it was about.
A distinct memory we have is reading one review that said, “An incredible place you never want to have to stay at”. This is one of the most accurate descriptions we can think of because although we were going through an incredibly difficult time, RMHC®SCO was our saving grace and a constant light during the most difficult NICU days.
-
Ronald McDonald House took care of us when we needed it the most. It allowed us to heal and spend as much time as possible with our children. It gave me the food, free time, and space to be able to pump and provide enough breastmilk for two babies (and store months worth of a freezer stash). It allowed our family to visit us, including my parents who stayed overnight with us, which was incredibly helpful as they were visiting from 5 hours away. It gave us the opportunity to meet and connect with other families in similar positions, and it wasn’t until we left RMHC®SCO that we realized how meaningful it truly was.
A special moment from our stay was when my name was randomly drawn to attend a free a spa day. To my embarrassment, I broke down crying at the news (this happened during a tough week). Winning that spa day meant so much to me.
RMHC®SCO was so much like a second home that we were actually sad to leave and still miss it to this day. Now when we return to McMaster for follow up appointments, we can count on the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at the hospital for lunch, snacks, and coffee, which is one less thing to worry about packing when we coming from an hour away. We have connected with so many of the volunteers who staff these rooms, and who share their own stories and connections to McMaster.
In an instant, we went from hardly knowing anything about Ronald McDonald House Charities, to being passionate supporters of this charity. I even encouraged my coworkers and friends to support the charity on McHappy Day; our family was so thankful to all of those who made donations and purchases including a donation in the twins’ names.
Donate to help families like the Brooks
