“I had always known about Ronald McDonald House before our daughter’s diagnosis. If I knew of someone fundraising I’d donate, or I’d round up at McDonalds for Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan. I thought they were sort of like a lodge for sick kids and their families, but I never grasped their importance or the impact it was going to have on my family.
In May of 2023, my family’s worlds were turned upside down when a life-threatening tumour was discovered in our oldest child’s (just 5 at the time) lungs. A STARS ride to JPCH and a whirlwind left my husband and I wondering how in the world we were going to manage this new life that we didn’t ask for when home was 3 hours away, and with two younger kids.
In sort of a, your call has been answered moment; a social worker referred us to Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan. Reluctantly accepting, I went over for a tour. I was met with warm smiles from all of the staff and volunteers, who we have since become like our extended family. The house smelled of fresh coffee and baking, it was clean and beautifully decorated and there was a full program schedule, including free on-site childcare for our other kids. It felt like a sign. Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan quickly became our home away from home and a place we look forward to going, even considering the circumstances of our stays.
I hate to consider what life could have been like without Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan. The financial strain of hotels and meals during a time you should never have to think about expenses piling up would have been devastating. Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan was the arm that reached out and pulled us back up. They were the warm hug telling us it was going to be okay, right when we needed it the most. Ronald McDonald House Saskatchewan was a gift to my family and they will forever hold a key place in our hearts.”
