Ronald McDonald House Charities^® Southwestern Ontario About Us

The Lamont Family - Windsor-Essex

In 2016, Nicole and Eric’s daughter started to experience trouble breathing and began choking on her food. That’s what prompted Lilah’s first visit to Windsor Hospital when she was four months old.

Lilah was transferred to the Peadiatric Critical Care Unit in London where both of her lungs collapsed, she was intubated and placed on a ventilator. It was there that Nicole and Eric were given the news no parent is prepared to receive.

NO GUARANTEES

Lilah was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1 – a severe condition that causes muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and limited movement.

“As a parent, when your worst fears become a reality, you are caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty and emotions. There is only one thing on your mind, and that's your child.”

While Lilah was receiving treatment, her parents stayed at RMHC-SWO for six months.

“When it felt like all hope was lost, during the scariest days of our lives, we had a place to call Home.”

So much so, Nicole and Eric decided to get hitched at the hospital so both of their children could be present.

“Staff at RMH made the day very special and turned the craft room into a get ready zone for me and my bridesmaids. They decked the whole thing out! It was magical.”

CRUSHING THE ODDS

Now nine years old, Lilah lives with a tracheostomy and is on life support 24/7. Frequent appointments at the Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, have the Lamont Family up and down the highway multiple times a year.

“Lilah has crushed the odds of her rare diagnosis. However, we don’t know what the next day holds for us.”

It’s a juggling act between getting Lilah to London, managing childcare for their son, Carter, to ensure his needs are being met, and arranging for someone to house-sit and take care of their pets.

“It’s a true blessing to not ever have to worry about where we will stay while in hospital and always know RMHC-SWO is there for us to be close to our girlie. We are eternally grateful.”