The Roy Family

Our Story

The unimaginable happened: our daughter, Carly, was born prematurely. Nothing could have prepared us for that moment or the long journey ahead. As a family from Guelph, we were suddenly faced with the reality of being far from home while our daughter required specialized care. Knowing she would need care or some time, we worried how we would stay close to Carly.

We learned about Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton – right next to McMaster Children’s hospital – and hoped there would be a room available for our family. When we found out we could stay there, it brought an immediate sense of relief during one of the most overwhelming times of our lives. Having a place close to Carly meant we could focus on being by her side every day instead of worrying about where we would stay, travel costs, or even cooking meals.

Walking into the House was so much more than we had imagined. We expected something more like a group home, but instead we were overwhelmed by the warmth, comfort, and support being offered to families like ours. After everything we had been through, we couldn't stop crying during the tour. It felt like a release after days of fear and uncertainty; and for the first time since Carly was born, we felt like we had a place where we could catch our breath. Our journey was still so new, and we had no idea what the next few months would look like for our daughter or our family, but knowing we had a safe, welcoming place to stay brought us comfort when we needed it most.

Our 144 days stay brought us through different seasons, from spring to the end of summer. Throughout those different seasons, this House provided us with a beautiful physical space that we called home, from the greenery in the serenity garden, to the natural light beaming through every corner of the House. It became a retreat where my nervous system could begin to recover, giving us the strength to return to Carly each day.

It is not just the House that provided us with a sense of home – it was the people. From the dedicated staff to the compassionate volunteers, everyone made us feel cared for. One person who made a lasting impression was a breakfast volunteer named Cindy. She was just incredible. Seeing her familiar face and receiving her kindness & encouragement brought a sense of comfort and consistency during days filled with uncertainty. Those genuine connections reminded us that we weren't alone and helped create a true sense of community when we needed it most.

We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to everyone at Ronald McDonald House. As I reflect on my time at the House, I am reminded of the peace, comfort, and hope the House provided. Every corner of the House reflects the care and compassion that surrounds families from the moment they walk through its doors; it is a truly special place that gives families not only a place to stay, but a place to find strength, connection, and the reassurance that they are never alone. We will continue to echo how special Ronald McDonald House® South Central Ontario is and encourage you to support this amazing place.