Meet Elise, Peter, Zosia & Magdalena

My name is Elise Michalski. My family and I are from Haldimand County, Ontario and we stayed at RMHC®SCO for 137 nights when our daughter was being treated in the NICU.

Hometown Haldimand County

Days 137

Service Used Hamilton House & Hamilton Family Room

Our Story

I never imagined our lives would change so drastically in a matter of moments. But when our tiny daughter, Magdalena, was born at just 25 weeks, we were thrown into a world of uncertainty and fear.

In the early chaotic days of Magdalena’s time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House became our home away from home. We were offered a private room just a 5-minute walk from the hospital, which meant we could be by Magdalena’s side as much as possible without worrying about the stress of food, rest, or travel.

Just 25 weeks into my pregnancy, I went into spontaneous labor, and Magdalena was born extremely premature. We faced the overwhelming challenge of caring for her in the NICU while also supporting our 18-month-old daughter, Zosia. Thankfully, we were given a room at Ronald McDonald House, where we lived for 137 nights.

Having a place to stay so close to the hospital with homecooked meals, a playroom for Zosia, and a place for my husband, Peter to work and support our family took an immense weight off our shoulders. The House gave us something priceless — peace of mind. We could focus entirely on being there for Magdalena, without the constant weight of fear and worry.

The meals at the House were more than just food — they were nourishment at a time when we were running on empty. The families at the House were more than just guests — they were part of a tightly-knit community when we needed support. The House was more than a home for Peter and me — it provided stability for Zosia, helping her thrive even in this uncertain time.

Although we have checked-out from the House, our medical journey continues. Since being treated for retinopathy at birth, Magdalena continues to have eye exams at McMaster every few weeks. We drive over an hour from home for weekly occupational therapy and physiotherapy to address abnormal muscle tone and motor development delay on her left-side due to an acquired brain injury in the first week of her life.

The support we received from RMHC South Central Ontario kept our family together during Magdalena’s NICU stay.

Thank you for being there for families like ours and for those who will need the House in the future. Your kindness means more than words can express.