Meet the Sabri family

My name is Sheerin, my family and I are from Kitchener, Ontario and we stayed at RMHC®SCO for a month was our boy was being treated in the NICU.

Hometown Kitchener

Days 29

Service Used Hamilton House & Hamilton Family Room

Our Story

During my pregnancy – at 12 weeks gestation – I found out my son had down syndrome. And so began the long & frequent drives from our home in Kitchener to McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton.

At 32 weeks into my pregnancy, I was rushed to my local hospital in Kitchener because my son was in distress. We soon after realized my water had broken, and my little guy was ready to make his first appearance in the world.

Since he had also been diagnosed with a IUGR Growth Restriction, we knew would need immediate care after birth – we were then rushed to McMaster Children’s Hospital to ensure we had the proper treatment. At this point, I was extremely stressed, worried, and didn’t know what the future would look like. I was in the hospital for two days and needed to have an emergency C-section.

Once I learned my son would need long-term care in the NICU, I was devastated to think that I’d have to travel from Kitchener just to see him. Between travel time and financial strain, I didn’t know how I’d get through this period of my life. That’s when my social worker at the hospital informed me about Ronald McDonald House and I called immediately to try to get a room. I was forever grateful when they called me back the same day saying that they had a room for me and my family.

Although we were going through a difficult time (to say the least), there are a few very special memories that stood out from our time at the Ronald McDonald House. During our one month stay, we celebrated my first-born son’s 5th birthday. The staff and volunteers had gift and treats for him, making it the most wonderful day.

On another very chaotic day, I took my two kids to the playroom to relax and spend some quality time. My son, Remi, wasn’t sharing the toys so I kept calling his name out. Little did I know, there was a little girl in the room with the same name, and every time I called for my son, she would look at me as well – it was so sweet! Her mother introduced herself and we started to chat. Ever since then, she’s been my best friend.

My bestfriend was there for me during our entire stay. It turns out she had a daughter also in the NICU in the room right across from my son – what an incredible coincidence! Her and I would have movie nights in the theatre together and created the most special bond – something I’ll hold with me forever.

My family and I will forever be grateful for the Ronald McDonald House who provided us a home and support for my son. He is almost a year old and thriving.

Our medical journey continues with surgeries and multiple appointments at McMaster, and each time we are lucky to utilize the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms on the third floor.

Things like coffee, snacks, and a quiet space may seem little, but without them every day, I would have never gotten through our time in the NICU. I will continue to talk about my wonderful experience with Ronald McDonald House – the staff and volunteers helped turn a traumatic time in my life into a time I remember being full of love and support. From hot meals and coffee to giving me my bestfriend, I cannot thank them enough.