Ronald McDonald House Charities^® Southwestern Ontario About Us

Staying Together When It Feels Like Things Could Fall Apart

When You Show Up at McDonald's on May 8 for McHappy Day, You're Helping Families Show Up for their Sick Children.

Meet The Montgomery Family from   Oxford County

In 2022, RMHC-SWO launched its first-ever Perinatal Program to support women experiencing high-risk pregnancies by providing them with the comfort and convenience of a place to stay just steps from the hospital. 

Karri Montgomery’s water broke at just 29 weeks, long before her baby was ready to come into the world. To ensure Karri could be closely monitored, she stayed at RMH for five weeks before the Montgomery’s baby girl made her early arrival. When she was born, Aurora was diagnosed with omphalocele, which is a rare congenital defect where the infant’s abdominal organs protrude through the belly button. 
Her diagnosis meant Aurora’s family remained at RMH for another two months. While navigating the ups and downs of a prolonged NICU stay, the Montgomery Family were thankful for the countless warm meals and welcoming environment created at RMH. 

"RMHC is a home away from home. It is a stable community you feel part of during the most traumatic and unstable part of your life. The people here understand what you’re going through. Our older kids thought it was a super fun place to be when they visited - which was nice because, amidst the scares and uncertainty, they still have these beautiful, happy memories."
 

                                       


As Aurora reaches her first birthday, she is a happy, thriving baby. Though her road to recovery is not yet complete, the Montgomerys reflect fondly on their three-plus months at the House. Like all the families we serve, they know this magical place would not be possible without our donors and community partners. 

“Thank you for giving our family a place to be together when our lives had been torn apart. You gave our family stability and happiness during a very tough time. We will never forget the memories we made at RMH.”