For one Northumberland family, Ronald McDonald House Toronto became far more than a place to stay, it became home.
As McHappy Day returns on May 6, local mom Jenna is sharing the Devlin/Armes family’s story to help people understand how something as simple as buying a meal at McDonald’s can directly support families facing some of life’s hardest moments.
Her son was being treated at SickKids Hospital in Toronto for acute lymphoblastic leukemia after becoming unresponsive to chemotherapy and later requiring a bone marrow transplant.
Because daily travel from Northumberland to Toronto was practically impossible, Ronald McDonald House allowed the family to stay there, just steps from the hospital.
She says their family stayed there during three separate periods, spending a total of more than nine months between SickKids and Ronald McDonald House.
The support extended far beyond a bed.
There were hot meals, toiletries, caregiver supports, wellness programs and even an in-house school that allowed children to continue learning while receiving treatment.
This year, McHappy Day proceeds are being shared between Ronald McDonald House Charities and YMCA Northumberland, the local charity partner. YMCA officials say funds raised in Cobourg and Port Hope will help build a large outdoor climbing tower at the Cobourg Y to support day camps, school groups and youth programming. In Brighton and Campbellford, proceeds will help expand camp programming, including a new outdoor pavilion in Campbellford and more activities and day trips for youth in Brighton.
Jenna says community support through McHappy Day makes a real difference.
She says her son is doing well now, and their family is simply grateful to celebrate another McHappy Day while helping other families and local children benefit from the same kind of community support.
Be sure to drop by your local McDonalds restaurant in Northumberland next Wednesday and show your support.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
