Allison and her partner, Tristan, were already familiar with Ronald McDonald House through their time helping with the Home for Dinner program in Toronto. But on February 12th, 2024, the day their son Benny came into their lives, they found themselves needing support in a way they never expected just days before Family Day.
They were told something was wrong with Benny’s heart and he needed to be transferred to London
“The uncertainty was overwhelming. I hadn’t even had the chance to hold him yet.”
Once Tristan arrived in London the next morning, the weight of uncertainty began to lift. After speaking with both the pediatrician and the team at Ronald McDonald House, Allison and Tristan finally had some clarity and comfort in knowing they would be able to be close to their baby. Thanks to the advanced diagnostic tools available in London, they learned that Ben had been experiencing Premature Atrial Contractions—a condition that, thankfully, is typically harmless.
“Though he still needed to stay in the NICU for monitoring, along with CPAP support and a feeding tube, we finally had answers. And with that, a sense of hope.”
Being at Ronald McDonald House allowed Allison to focus entirely on pumping milk for Benny without worrying about anything else.
“I had a cozy chair, warm meals ready when I needed them (or rather, when Benny’s schedule allowed), and even access to Netflix for some much-needed moments of relaxation. Best of all, my baby was just a short walk away.”
The House not only allowed Allison and Tristan to stay close to their newborn but also gave them the chance to spend Family Day with Jack, their then three-year-old.
“He didn’t have to see Benny in the NICU and instead got to experience the warmth and kindness that RMH offers children—books, snacks, toys, games, and more.”
Allison had been craving quality time with Jack, and the ability to be with him without being far from Benny was crucial for her mental health and postpartum recovery.
“RMH didn’t just provide us a place to stay—it gave us the space to be a family when we needed it most.
Benny just turned one and started daycare last week
He’s had no health issues since he was born and is going to start walking any day now. Perhaps this Family Day will be the first of many milestones for Allison, Tristan, Jack and Benny.
“Looking back, our stay was short, but the warmth and kindness we experienced will stay with me forever.”
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