When Cassey was born prematurely at 24 weeks, I was devastated and overwhelmed with sadness and confusion. Knowing she would have to stay at McMaster Hospital for an extended period only added to my anxiety. The uncertainty of whether she would survive was incredibly distressing, leaving me in a constant state of worry and fear for her future.
The first moment we found out about Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario (RMHC SCO) was filled with confusion and uncertainty; I had just given birth at 24 weeks while trying to come to terms with staying in a house that was far from home. We hadn't heard of RMHC SCO before, and we had no idea what the house looked like or how close it was to McMaster Hospital. I didn't realize then how much it would ultimately benefit me and my family. The uncertainty of our situation was overwhelming, but discovering RMHC SCO brought a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
If we had been unable to stay at RMHC SCO, our family would have faced daily travel of almost an hour each way to and from home. And worse, we wouldn’t have been able to spend time with Cassey every day. Without RMHC SCO, it would have been a completely different and much more challenging story for us.
Staying at RMHC SCO made supporting Cassey a little bit easier because it allowed us to visit her every single day without the stress of long commutes. We could also spend time with our son, Cassey's brother Gael, ensuring our family stayed together during this challenging period. Being close to the hospital meant we didn’t have to worry about traveling home, making our situation much more manageable and beneficial for our family.
One of my favorite memories of our time with RMHCSCO was the sense of community and support we felt from other families going through similar experiences. The staff and volunteers created a warm and welcoming environment, which made a tough situation more bearable. Sharing meals and conversations with other families, participating in activities, and seeing Gael play and smile despite the circumstances are moments I cherish. It reminded us that we weren't alone and provided much-needed comfort and encouragement during a difficult time.
Our family particularly enjoyed the communal meals and the various family activities offered at RMHC SCO. The communal meals were a huge relief as they allowed us to focus on spending time with Cassey and Gael without worrying about cooking. These meals also provided a chance to connect with other families and share support. The family activities, such as movie nights, arts and crafts, and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and superhero nights, were wonderful for Gael. They gave him a sense of normalcy and joy during a challenging time and allowed us to create positive memories together as a family.
Our favorite space in RMHC SCO was the Games Room. It was a cozy and comfortable area where we could relax together after long days at the hospital. The room provided a sense of home, with comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere. It was a place where we could unwind, play games with Gael, and spend quality time as a family, making it a cherished spot during our stay.
We are deeply grateful to RMHC SCO and its wonderful staff for their incredible support during one of the most challenging times in our lives. Your kindness, dedication, and unwavering care provided us with a comforting home away from home. The sense of community, the thoughtful programs, and the warm, welcoming environment made an immeasurable difference in our journey. Thank you for being our rock and for helping us stay close to Cassey while ensuring Gael felt loved and supported. Your generosity and compassion have left a lasting impact on our hearts. You will forever be a part of our family.
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