RMH

Samantha's mom shares her family's journey from Thunder Bay to Ronald McDonald House Toronto.

Samantha, (we call her Sam), was born with bi-lateral retinoblastoma, which is eye cancer. She had tumors in both eyes and needed immediate treatment which is only available to us in Toronto. 

We are from Thunder Bay, ON 20 hours away. Being able to stay at Ronald Macdonald House during her treatments has been a godsend to our whole family. We have spent many days at RMH Toronto throughout the last 14 months. 

Our longest stretch was 6 weeks when Sam was finally old and strong enough to have chemotherapy at 1.5 months old. To me this was a crucial time for her physical and emotional health and the family's health. 

Being able to stay at RMH Toronto during this time allowed her four-year-old brother the time to come and visit for a few weeks with Dad and later on her older sister, so they could get to know one another and we, as a whole, to just be a family, in our home away from home. 

Being able to stay in a "home" environment saved added emotional distress to our family from having to be so far from each other for such a long period of time. I don't know how we would have fared without RMH Toronto. 

RMH Toronto is so much more than just a place for families to stay. Having people around you who are going through similar things, being able to talk to them, hear their stories, lean on and support them, is a huge part of healing and getting through the tough times. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job making you feel welcome, and help in any way they can. Having the "Home for Dinners" make days easier, not having to worry about making supper after long days at the hospital. I am forever thankful to the people and companies who have made all this possible to us. 

Sam won't remember much of this time, but I will, as will the rest of the family.  My other son's favorite part is the big moose on the main floor which always got a hug from him when we passed by on the way to the kitchen.  He also enjoyed the breakfast with the firefighters and being able to check out the truck afterwards!