On May the Fourth, the Ronald McDonald Family Room (Family Room) at the Marotta Family Hospital was transformed – but not by Jedi mind tricks.
Decked out in costumes from a galaxy far, far away, Niagara Health volunteer Aaron Russell and volunteers from his charity Jace Wars turned the RMFR into a Star Wars sanctuary, featuring movie screenings and surprise visits from fan-favourite characters.
“May the Fourth should be a national holiday as far as we’re concerned,” Russell says. “The goal of the event was simple: give families a few minutes to smile, relax and just be together.”
It’s a goal that’s personal to him. In 2011, Aaron and his wife Desiree faced every parent’s nightmare when their 14-month-old son Jace was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
“His doctors told us, ‘our son will not make is through the night,’” he recalls. “But as Han Solo once said, ‘Never tell me the odds.’”
“Star Wars is essentially about two things: hope and family,” Russell says. “Those are the same values that got us through our darkest moments.”
That experience has come full circle for Russell, who began volunteering at the RMFR at the Marotta Family Hospital earlier this year. It’s the same type of space that once offered his family a place to rest and recharge during Jace’s hospital stay in Hamilton.
“It was a safe haven for us,” he says of the Family Room at McMaster Children’s Hospital. “No words needed to be said. The welcoming smile at the front was enough.”
Now, Russell is the one offering that comfort to others.
Since opening in September 2024, the Family Room at the Marotta Family Hospital has quickly become an invaluable resource for families with children receiving care. With close to 3,000 visits per month, the Family Room has provided more than 18,000 meals and snacks to caregivers, in addition to offering laundry services, emotional support and respite for families with children in the hospital.
“Truthfully, this feels like a full-circle moment,” he says. “I found that the brightest lights can only be seen in the darkest moments and, hopefully, I can be that light for someone who needs it.”
The May 4th celebration marked one of Russell’s first big events as a volunteer, and it was a hit among families, staff and fellow volunteers.
“It’s not hard to smile when you see Darth Vader walking down the hallway,” he jokes.
Behind the costumes, though, his mission is clear: to show families they are not alone.
“Like the Rebellion, hope is found in the times that it is needed most,” Russell says. “We’ve been there. We get it. And now we want to help.”
Since its launch, Jace Wars has raised more than $70,000 and inspires countless supporters across Ontario. Russell says the support from the community continues to grow and so does the impact of their message.
Next up for Jace Wars? A collectable edition of their comic book, with proceeds going to brain tumour research. And as for Russell’s future with the Ronald McDonald Family Room, he doesn’t plan to leave anytime soon.
“I plan on volunteering until they get sick of me,” he says. “And if anyone wants to help, it’s easy. Just show up and try.”
*Article originally posted by Niagara Health
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