We’ve never met, but I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am to you. I’ve been staying at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon for the last two months with my mom, Asylai, while my son Dominic has been in the hospital. The House has been a life saver for my mom and I – you gave us a moment to breathe during the scariest time of my life.

My mom, Asylai , has always been my biggest supporter. She’s been there for the best and most challenging times of my life.

When my baby was born, a healthy little boy who I named Dominic Maximillian, she was bursting with pride as she welcomed her first grandchild into the world. Her eyes gave away what I already knew: she loved him instantly.

My mom was with us through all the joy of watching Dominic grow and thrive but she was also there when things took a turn.

Dominic went from being a healthy, normal little boy to a very, very sick little boy in an instant. One moment he was playing and the next he stopped breathing. The rest of that day is a blur of ambulance rides from our home in Sicamous to Kelowna, countless doctors’ visits and finally a helicopter ride to Vancouver.

I don’t know what I would have done without my mom’s steady support during those first few surreal days. Her words of strength guided me through sleepless nights in the PICU when I was too afraid to leave my baby’s side.

She was there when I found out that Dominic had a severe brain injury because of the lack of oxygen to his brain. Doctors still do not know how or why this happened, or how his life will be moving forward. No one can tell me if he’ll ever be able to walk, eat, or see again. In 10 minutes, life as we knew it had changed forever.

There was so much uncertainty. Would Dominic be okay? How long would we stay in Vancouver? Where would we stay? What would life look like now? And so many unexpected costs – medical, accommodations, food, loss of income, and living day-to-day.

I knew very little about Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, but when I walked through the doors I realized quickly that this was a special place. I felt like things were finally going to get better – there was finally a feeling of hope just knowing that I could stay in a safe place and have my mom right by my side.

At the House, people genuinely care about each other. They ask about your kids. They ask about your family. They call my mom “grandma” – she loves that! These are the little things that feel so big, it makes you feel special and “normal” in a time that is anything but.

The House really is so much more than a place to sleep. We get to have real, healthy, fresh meals together and we are so grateful for the pots of coffee that are always on. We’ve met so many families who are going through the same things we are.

Especially in COVID times, it’s nice to have a place to go where you can safely take breaks from the hospital and connect with other people who “just get it”.

I couldn’t believe that I could stay at the House for only $12 a night. When I found out that donors supported the House to cover the costs of our stay I was amazed. My family has a place to stay because of donors like you and I am so grateful. Ronald McDonald House was a lifesaver for me and my mom and it’s been a lifesaver to so many other families. You helped us do what seemed impossible only a few months ago – be together. I cannot thank you enough for giving me that safe space and that community.