Meet Esther and her daughter Sonja

My name is Esther Fransen, grandmother of little Henry Fransen who required many months of treatment in the Hospital after birth. I flew in from Manitoba so my daughter and I could care for him while staying at RMHC®SCO.

Hometown Guelph

Service Used Hamilton House, Hamilton Family Room

Days 129

Our Story

Ted and I learned of our grandson, Henry's diagnosis early in his mother's pregnancy. The pre-natal ultrasounds confirmed that Henry had T21 (Down Syndrome) as well as had complex heart issues – our hearts broke. It was Sonja's resolve and courage to be the best mom possible that quickly had us feeling stronger for Henry.

Sonja was told that all of Henry's pre-natal and neo-natal care would be relocated from Guelph to Hamilton. This distance between home and hospital immediately added a burden to her plate. As Henry's grandparents, living in Manitoba, we were stressed about how we might be able to assist our daughter and grandson. Sonja is a single-mom and needed Henry's care to be close-by.

During the last trimester of Sonja's pregnancy, she informed us that she might be able to stay at RMHC South Central Ontario (RMHC SCO) in Hamilton. We had heard of Ronald McDonald House Charities but had no first-hand experience with it. We would soon learn how incredible it is! The House provided Sonja with a private room, meals, and it was within walking distance of the Children's Hospital. The House was an answer to our prayers and we were overjoyed for Sonja.

Had RMHC SCO not been available to Sonja and myself as a grandmother, we would have had to pay to stay in a hotel. Since Henry's stay was nearly five months, this would’ve created significant financial hardship. On top of that, no hotels are within walking distance of the NICU like RMHC SCO is. Being able to stay so close to the NICU added immeasurably to the quality of life for both Sonja and I.

Caring for Henry in the NICU meant we were often running on adrenaline – being able to eat, sleep, and freshen up at the House made a tremendous difference.

In addition to the benefits of staying at the Ronald McDonald House, their Family Rooms in the Hospital were also amazing! The rooms allowed Sonja and I to host Henry's cousins and uncles and aunts who also lived a fair distance away from Hamilton - Ayr, Toronto, and Niagara. The Family Rooms helped foster family connections and supportive networks.

There are many fond memories for our time at RMHC SCO. Meeting families in similar situations from across Ontario was pretty special. Sharing the Family Kitchen with others was enlightening as we learned about some amazing stories of resolve and courage. The kindness of the staff and volunteers was heartwarming. Everyone seemed to go out of their way to make sure that our time there was as comfortable as possible. Seeing the bright eyes of Henry's cousins who had traveled from the K-W area when they saw the pool table and ping pong table was so special!

We are committed to supporting fundraising efforts for RMHC SCO. This is an incredible service to families in Ontario, and in our case as grandparents coming from Manitoba it was extra special. To RMHC SCO, you're on our list to support!!