Ronald Mcdonald House Southwestern Ontario

We are so thankful for the donations made to our House! Currently, we are greatest need of: Food •Microwavable KD Cups •Chocolate Chips •Fruit Cups •Salad Dressing •Condiments Kitchen •Cupcake Liners •S.O.S Cleaning Pads •Blue Recycling Bags •Garbage Bags House and Families •Plastic Clothes Hangers •Windex •Batteries (AA and

AAA and 9V especially) Insider Our Babies •Diapers •Diaper Cream Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario ® •Teething Rings See a full list at rmhswo.ca! Spring 2014 Issue Pg.1 Wish List & House Warmers Pg.2 Family Story Pg.3 Stop to Remember Pg.4/5 Upcoming Events

Pg.6 Special Moments Pg.7 Getting Involved Pg.8 RMH Family Room

A Little Warmth Can Go a Long Way! A monthly HouseWarmer donation For families who need to return monthly, or even weekly, to London for medical can give sick kids and their families… care, our House truly becomes a second home. When you become Peace of mind that they have a safe a , by making a monthly donation, your support is there to welcome HouseWarmer place to stay our families every month and helps to build a foundation of ongoing and reliable funding for the House. Warmth through a homemade dinner after returning from a long day at the hospital As a HouseWarmer your monthly donation can be big or small. No matter the size, your scheduled gift acts as a security blanket, ensuring Ronald McDonald House Comfort through relationships built with Southwestern Ontario has the funding every month to keep families together other families in similar situations when they need each other most. Connection to back home with free long Help kids like Reed stay close to mom and dad distance calling and Wi-Fi access The Pepe Family flies into London from Thunder Bay on a monthly basis to receive care for Reed’s To become a , visit us online or Townes–Brocks syndrome. For families like the Pepes, HouseWarmer select the monthly giving option on the our “home away from home” helps lift financial and emotional burdens while keeping them close to enclosed donation slip. their sick child.

Questions? Contact us: Stay Connected Tel: (519) 685-3232 | Fax: (519) 685-0703 rmhswo.ca Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario [email protected] | www.rmhswo.ca 741 Base Line Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6 https://www.facebook.com/rmhswo 1

Family Story

A Mother’s Persistence and Her Daughter’s Strength

Every mother wants to hear her baby is healthy, but what happens when mom feels like something is wrong? This is what happened to Kim Vander Schelde after she gave birth to her second little girl Olivia. Doctors said she was healthy, but Kim was convinced something wasn't right…

Sent home from the hospital after having Olivia on November 8th, 2004, Kim and her husband Sam couldn't help but be alarmed with Olivia’s constant vomiting and crying. After making several trips to a local Emergency Room, Olivia completely stopped eating and was admitted into a London Hospital where she stayed for 6 weeks before being released with a feeding tube. However, the vomiting and painful cries continued after the family returned home and led Kim to think there may be a neurological complication. Her gut instinct was that doctors needed to take an “inside look”, but with Olivia being so young health professionals were hesitant to run an MRI. For the time being, Kim just had to wait and hope Olivia’s feeding tube would start helping.

At 16 months Olivia was back in the hospital to have her feeding tube removed, but by this time other mobility issues had begun to arise. Olivia’s arm was limp and she would rarely attempt to move it. She would start to walk but then lose the ability and would have to drag her limp leg behind her. These increasing symptoms and Kim’s persistence led doctors to give Olivia a CT Scan. Kim explains “I would burp Olivia and rub her back and I swore to myself her spine was crooked. I knew something was wrong and I was beginning to think I was crazy because no one seemed to know what.” Once the scan results came in, the Vander Schelde’s were informed that their daughter had a mass in her brain which was later diagnosed as a Holland (right) visiting Olivia at brain tumor in her spinal cord. the hospital

Doctors operated a week later. They were able to remove 90% of the tumor in a 14 hour surgery, but Olivia needed to stay at the hospital and recover for the next 7 weeks. Kim explains she didn't know about Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario until the nurses suggested it. “I would just sleep on the little chair in the hospital room,” says Kim, “I never wanted to leave my baby. It got to the point that nurses would tell my husband I needed rest or I was going to get sick.” Once Kim came to the House, it made it possible for dad to stay home and care for older sister Holland while Kim stayed close to Olivia in a welcoming, secure environment steps from the hospital.

When the family needed to travel back and forth to Toronto for her weekly chemo treatments and were without their “home away from home” they had to spend over $40,000 on hotels, transportation, hospital parking, food and the other expenses of having a seriously ill child. Sam and Kim ended up selling their house, hosting fundraisers and turning to their community for help. Kim expresses that they couldn't have done it without support, “Our community was amazing. Ballymote Auto and Shut the Front Door Improv helped us get a van large enough for Olivia’s wheelchair, and one day when checking the mailbox I found an envelope with $800 and a note saying ‘I hope this helps’.” These acts of kindness are what kept the family strong.

Today, Olivia is 9 and her initial tumor is gone. There is still a small mass in the Thalamus of her brain but it hasn't caused any medical issues. Other complications from undergoing chemo at a young age have been manageable so far. Sam has recently been able to start working again, and Kim feels like she will be returning shortly as well, but Olivia still needs help from her family when coping with her condition. Her biggest struggle is neurological pain, often in her toes, but having older sister Holland and younger brother Sammy around helps to keep her busy and take her mind off of the pain. Now living in St. Marys, the family continues to come and stay at our House when Olivia has her appointments, and the kids love being able to use the play rooms and watch a family movie in the theatre room. When they are all able to come and stay at the House they will “cheer” with their juice cans to Ronald McDonald House for keeping them together. Sammy (left), Olivia (middle), and Holland (right) eating dinner at RMH

You can follow Olivia’s story at oliviasdream.com 2 Stop to Remember...

Keeping A Memory Alive

Paul and Mellissa Walker were happy to be expecting their third child, but knew there would be difficulties ahead. While pregnant, Mellissa underwent a Fetal Echocardiogram which revealed her baby had a Critical Aortic Valve Stenosis, a narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve. In order to take immediate action, doctors did a Balloon Dilation on the baby while Mellissa was 34 weeks pregnant— at the time he was only the 11th baby to ever have undergone this medical procedure. Heart Plaque ” In Memory of Emmet Walker” Emmett, January 2013 Just two weeks later, Emmett Walker was born at 37 weeks and 6lbs15oz in Toronto, but was immediately flown to Children’s Hospital in London, ON. Living just outside of Dealtown, ON, the Walkers knew the upcoming months would be difficult but their community was rallying support and Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario was keeping them close to Emmett. Over the next year Emmett would brave a number of medical procedures, including two open heart surgeries by 8 weeks old, in addition to fighting the “everyday” viruses that took a toll on his immune system. The Walker family was there every step of the way with Emmett, until he passed First Walker family photo away on July 23rd, 2013 at 17 months old.

Mellissa, Paul and Emmett’s two brothers Riley and Ethan, know Emmett put up a strong fight and thank RMH for giving them more time to spend with him. Today Emmett Walker has a heart-shaped plaque on our Major Donor Wall as family and friends have raised over $6,500 for our House in his memory. They continue to keep Emmett’s memory alive by making donations to the House, participating in the Run for the House fundraiser (raising over $1,000 in pledges last year) and sharing Emmett’s story with others going through similar struggles. Finding strength through their loss, the Walker Family has helped Mellissa (middle) at RMH so many other families just like them and continue to prove some memories will never Run for the House fade.

Hannah's Mail Every year Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario takes the time to remember those children who touched our House and hearts, fought bravely, but unfortunately lost their battles. On a very special day in May, the RMH families whose children have passed away are invited to come back to the “House that Love Built” to share and talk with other families and participate in a special service that gives tribute to each child’s memory.

The world may never notice if a rosebud doesn’t bloom, Or even pause to wonder if the petals fall too soon. But every life that ever forms or ever comes to be, Touches the world in some small way for all eternity. Upcoming Events!

Meet Kelley, our Development Manager!

March 28th Hope Rocks This House Let out your inner rock star and raise the roof for families at RMH! This event is like no other and will have you singing with the Dave Murphy Band, dancing with your friends, rocking out in the photo booth and so much more! Visit our website to order your tickets now!

Ronald makes special visits to some of our events!

May 25th Run for the House You will have the opportunity to run or walk for families staying at RMH at this year’s Run for the House! With a 5k, 10k and Kids Gallop, this event is great for athletes looking for practice and families who just want to enjoy a day together raising support for the House.

August 8th RMH 31st Annual Golf Classic

This great day of golf has become part of our House tradition. Raising over $1.75 million over the past 30 years, this event proves to be a fun day of friendly competition and good golf that makes a huge difference for our families!

2 This is Jenne, the Director of Development! April 26th Scarlet Ball Already developing a reputation for their unforgettable events, our Red Shoe Society for young professionals is excited to host their Scarlet Ball. Get ready to let the good times fly at the Jet Aircraft Museum where there will be a fantastic Visit redshoelondon.com for international DJ, games, dinner, friends and fun information on getting involved! all in support of RMH!

Say “Hi” to Sindy, our Development Associate! June 8th 11th Annual Bowl-A-Thon Join us in Windsor for bowling, pizza, prizes and fun! Spend the afternoon together with your family and friends and help Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario give sick children what they need most…their families.®

Did you know that 24% of families who stayed at our House last year were from -Essex?! Windsor

Stay Connected! 2014 Best Year at Bonspiel! Our 28th Annual Curling Bonspiel swept more hope For event details you can: into our House than ever before—raising an Visit Our Website: www.rmhswo.ca outstanding $36,212! Visit Our Facebook: Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario Follow Us On Twitter: @RMHSWOntario

Send Us an Email: [email protected] Voted best team For information on sponsoring or volunteering at Thank you to ... uniforms! one of our events, please contact: Our Presenting Sponsor: Our Event Sponsors: Kelley Montfort, [email protected] Wayne-Wright HVAC 519-685-3232 x2503

Special Moments

Clinical Research Dental Ronald and FM96 Come for a Visit! Ronald’s hand Our friends from FM96 came for a House visit with print!

Ronald! Getting ready to help us raise the roof at the Hope Rocks event this March, FM96 wanted to come see the House for themselves. The team and Ronald got creative, shared some smiles with our families and FM96 got to see for themselves what makes Ronald McDonald House such a special place for families with sick kids. Mason spending time with Ronald Monkeying Around the House Our House is so thankful for the donations we receive on a regular basis from members of the community — we could not be everything we are today without this generous support. Recently, we had the Kerwood Girl Guides donate sock monkeys that they handmade themselves. Each of these cute monkeys are bringing smiles to children at the House, and the girls also earned their sewing badge!

We want to say thank you to EVERYONE who helps to support our House. It could be by volunteering your time or giving a donation—every little bit helps make a huge difference for our families!

Down With Webster

The popular Canadian band Down With Webster chose Ronald McDonald House as their charity partner for their 2014 tour! Not only are they helping to raise awareness and support for Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada, but they also gave concert tickets to some of the families staying at each House!

Seth, a patient staying at our House with his parents, got to go to the concert with a friend and shared, “My favorite part was the drummer. I can’t play drums, but he did a solo and it was amazing! This was my first concert and I got to watch it with my dad and good friend—it was awesome!” Thanks for the support DWW!

There’s Seth with the band A Special Gift for a Special Mom before the show! Are you looking for a gift that will make mom smile and go even further by helping families here at RMH? We will be introducing our Dinner at Our House Cookbook just in time for Mother’s Day! Full of delicious recipes we have served here in our House kitchen, this cookbook is a gift you can feel good sharing!

Proceeds will go directly to helping Ronald McDonald House SWO support families with seriously ill children.

Order your copy today by emailing [email protected]! Getting Involved

McHappy Day On May 7th, 2014 McDonald’s Restaurants welcome friends of the House who want to show their support for RMH to come out and celebrate McHappy Day! On McHappy Day $1 from every Happy Meal, Big Mac, and McCafe beverage sold goes toward local children's charities, including Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario.

We are always looking for RMH families and supporters to come out to their local McDonalds on McHappy Day to share their story and help raise awareness about our House. If you are a family who has stayed with us, a friend of the House, or a member of the community looking to help out, please let us know and we will help you get involved!

Coach Greg Marshall The Dunn Family talking The Srokosz Family and a Western Mustang with Arms Bumanlag from representing RMH in team member show their AM 800 Windsor about their home town of support RMH Chatham, ON

Thanks to McDonalds for holding the 21st Email [email protected] to get consecutive McHappy Day! involved with McHappy Day!

Community Events Rock N’ Roar is a benefit being held in Chatham, ON, for local teen Sophia Vlasman who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Four local CK bands will be playing at the Capitol Theatre on May 23rd. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario For more information and to get your ticket visit: “Rock and Roar 4 Sophia” on Facebook “@RockNRoar4Sophia” on Twitter

Do you have an idea for a fundraiser you would like to host in support of Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario? You can find more information about holding your own community event as well as the application form on our website, www.rmhswo.ca/how-fundraiser. Making a Delicious Difference Dinner at Our House is a great program that helps provide nutrition to our families while giving them more time to spend with their seriously ill child. Families, groups of friends, colleagues, and other members from the community come together at our House to volunteer their time and make a homemade meal for our families. Groups have fun cooking in our beautiful kitchen while the burden of “what’s for supper?” is lifted off our families’ shoulders. Cargill Value Added Meats is an amazing supporter of RMH and in addition to providing financial support through fundraisers, sponsorship, and payroll giving, there are five Cargill dinner groups! The Cargill HR& Finance Team, Pheonix Team, Annie’s Team, Procurement Team and Ana Maria’s Team are each dedicated to coming to the House once a month to make a great dinner—often including delicious Cargill HR & Finance Team chicken! Cargill employee Cathy Day (left) Visit our website or contact Brianna Evans for more information: was the recipient of the Sue Taylor Email: [email protected] Booster Award for her dedication as Phone: 519-685-3232 x2507 an RMH volunteer! Ronald McDonald Family Room ®

A Haven on the 6th Floor Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario is only steps from Children’s Hospital, but did you know we have a welcoming space —a “mini” RMH — for families right on the 6th floor of Children’s Hospital London Health Sciences Centre? The Ronald McDonald Family Room can be used by any family with a child at Children's Hospital and features a relaxing common area with a television, phone and computers with Internet access. The kitchenette and dining counter allow parents to make a quick bite to eat, and the three sleep rooms and showers help keep them well rested and refreshed for their child.

February Family Room Stats Going for Gold! Total # of Visits: 3872 One of our Family Room volunteers, Trudy McGregor, has traveled to Russia to support her son Tyler who is playing on the Canadian Sledge Hockey Team at the Loads of Laundry: 117 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, being held March 7th to the 16th. Diagnosed with bone Naps Taken: 42 cancer 4 years ago, Tyler had his left leg amputated but decided he would not let Showers: 216 it get in the way of his love for the ice! Overnight Rooms Used: 53 After watching their son overcome so many obstacles regarding his cancer diagnosis, Trudy and husband Average # of Visitors Per Day: 138 Dean know he deserves gold, and will be there to cheer him on from the stands! Donations We Could Use Tyler’s dedication and ambition has given so many Packaged Snacks kids going through a medical struggle hope, and Bread/Bagels reminds all of us to never give up on the things we are

Cream Cheese passionate about. Trudy, Tyler and Dean Cottage Cheese To us, Tyler deserves gold no matter the score! McGregor Frozen Juices

Southwestern Ontario Childrens Care Inc. o/a Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario 741 Base Line Road East London, Ontario N6C 2R6

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