Meet Seb & Juniper
My name is Seb Ramirez, my family and I stayed at the House and rely heavily on the Family Rooms when Juniper is admitted to the hospital.
Hometown Guelph
Days 61
Service Used Hamilton House & Hamilton Family Room
Our Story
My daughter, Juniper had been unwell for months, and at first, it was hard to know exactly what was wrong. Things escalated quickly - we were rushed from Guelph General Hospital to McMaster Children's Hospital. What followed were two intense months in the hospital as Juniper began her recovery.
Juniper was diagnosed with a rare metabolic condition that prevents her body from properly digesting protein. This can lead to high levels of ammonia in the blood, causing nausea, confusion, mood swings, disrupted sleep, and, in extreme cases, seizures, brain swelling, or even coma.
Having the Ronald McDonald House so close to the hospital made an incredible difference. It meant that Junipers Mom, Bethany was able to stay close by with her 1 year old daughter Koda. Bethany lives in Durham, so travelling back and forth was not feasible.
Bethany would stay in the hospital most days, while I would spend the evenings and overnights with Juniper in the hospital. In the mornings I would travel home to rest and also to support my wife, Kylie who was expecting a baby at the same time.
Thankfully, I was able to attend the home birth of our baby boy, Felix. He and Kylie were in excellent health and had much support so that I could continue to be with Juniper.
Having access to the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in the hospital was such a God send. Having a place to pick up a coffee & snack from a caring and lovely volunteer was so sustaining. The Ronald McDonald House was so supportive and generous to Bethany, Koda, I - and especially to Juniper once she was well enough to go over and visit.
Because of the kindness, support, and generosity my family received, we wanted to pay it forward by fundraising.
Thank you, for everything that you do to support families who are going through such challenging times.
While in the hospital my family received immense amounts of support, and generosity from friends, family, and from beyond our immediate friend circle. Many people asked what they could do to help, so when Juniper was discharged I felt compelled to give back to the Ronald McDonald House community.
I wanted to give something tangible so that the House could continue helping not just Juniper, but other families who are or who will be in a similar position.
We managed to raise $4000 and I'm so grateful to be able to give back!
To others who are thinking about donating, I would say, go for it! Every little bit will help.
To the staff and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, thank you, for everything that you do to support families who are going through such challenging times.
Donate to help families like the Ramirezes
