Ronald McDonald House Charities^® Southwestern Ontario About Us

The Stuart Family - Thunder Bay

An unexpected birth event caused little Norah to have an injury to her brain just over a year ago.

An injury that caused hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), when a baby's brain does not get enough oxygen. Norah was also diagnosed with a neurological disorder called dystonia which causes involuntary muscle contractions and can be very painful.

Mom, Natalie, spent four months at Ronald McDonald House London helping Norah grow, heal and get strong enough to go home. Thankfully, the pain was controlled with medication while she was in hospital before the Stuart’s were able to return home to Thunder Bay.

“RMH was an absolute lifeline.”

But it didn’t come without its challenges.

FAMILY IMPACT

For the first time ever, Natalie was away from her two-year-old daughter, Ellie – a whole six weeks without seeing one another. It impacted their family immensely. So, it was a huge relief when Ellie and her dad, Mike, arrived at the House.

“RMH was our safe place to be a family together until we could safely head home.”

The Stuart Family have many positive memories from their lengthy stay at the House; there was one memory that stood out most.

SHAKE IT OFF

Late night dance parties in the kitchen were what kept the Stuart’s spirits up.

“What seemed like a small, sweet gesture was such an important moment because it allowed Ellie to shake off any worry she may have had from experiences at the hospital with her sister.”

STRONGER TOGETHER

Norah doesn’t have any neck control and is unable to sit on her own, but that doesn’t stop her from dancing in her own way. She loves listening to her Yoto audio player and moving her body when laying down, which helps to strengthen Norah’s neck.

Dance parties have become a staple in the Stuart household. Norah will often sit in her special chair to play with her sister.

“The smiles don’t stop when they’re together.”