Meet the Castelli Family

My name is Lindsay. My family and I are from Hamilton, Ontario and we relied on the RMH®SCO Family Rooms during one of the hardest times of our lives.

Hometown Hamilton

Service Used Hamilton Family Room

Days 130+

Our Story

We first learned the extent of Vinny's medical complexities right after he was delivered, and it was overwhelming. He was rushed to McMaster Children's Hospital. The idea that the care he needed was not available at our local hospital added another layer of stress, not just about his health, but how we would manage as a family.

We had a toddler at home, job, pets, and suddenly we were facing ling hospital stays with over 70 days in the NICU and 8 admissions in Vinny's first year of life. Those early days were some of the hardest of our lives, and it was difficult to find a sense of balance and normalcy.

We first heard about the Ronald McDonald Family Room when Vinny was in the NICU. I knew about the Houses before, but didn't realize there were also Family Rooms right inside the hospital. The Family Room gave us moments to breathe. Having hot meals, snacks, and a cups of coffee just steps away from Vinny's room meant we could take care of ourselves without feeling like we were abandoning him.

It was also a comforting space to regroup as a couple and talk through updates from the medical team. That small sense of normalcy made an impossible situation feel a little more manageable.

We were there over a few seasonal moments, and even just seeing the Family Room decorated for the holidays brought a sense of warmth. During our Christmas stay, they even had little toys for kiddos - this made our other son feel extra special during some really chaotic times.

When your child is in the hospital, your world becomes very small, focused entirely on their health and comfort. The Family Room reminded us that we were not alone in that experience. You meet other families going through the same struggles, and that connection helps more than you can imagine.

It also gave us practical help: hot meals, coffee, and a safe space to step away without being far from Vinny. That's something we will always carry with us. We didn't realize how important a service like this is for families going through complex medical journeys with their children, but we truly do now.