RMH

When six-week-old Braden’s parents brought him to emergency at a Barrie, ON hospital, with labored breathing and turning dusky while crying, doctors initially thought he had pneumonia. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) arrived to pick him up for emergency transport and quickly diagnosed him with a congenital heart defect, TGA (Transposition of the Great Arteries).

“We went down to Toronto with the clothes on our back,” said Braden’s mom. While Braden would spend the next four weeks in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit (CCCU) at SickKids, his parents needed a place to stay. After looking into staying at nearby hotels and trying to find somewhere affordable and close to the hospital, they were referred by their hospital social worker to Ronald McDonald House Toronto.

“I really didn’t know what to expect when we got there – we were just thinking of a place to stay,” said Braden’s dad. “It is unbelievable what you [the House] have for families. Our two-and-a-half year old daughter was with us and she was able to play with other children staying there. The support programs offered really went a long way to making our stay as easy as possible. Everyone made us feel welcome and all the services were just amazing, having that kitchen facility and everything there to use; to be able to come and go.”

Braden’s mom added, “I didn’t expect it to be that big. The Home for Dinners, the home theatre, the gym for our daughter, free laundry, everything made a big difference.”

Their routine consisted of waking up, making a quick breakfast before walking over to the hospital to sit with Braden for the day, and heading back to the House in time for the Home for Dinner program.

“RMH Toronto was a lifesaver for our family. Not being from Toronto, and not knowing how long we would need to be there for, the staff and volunteers made us feel welcome. Having the House near SickKids gave us peace of mind knowing that we were so close to Braden at all times. We knew we had a safe place to go to recharge and reflect on the day. Thank you again to all of the staff and volunteers who provide such an essential service to all those in their time of need.”

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