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)
Our Babies
•Diapers •Diaper Cream
Insider
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
a HouseWarmer
, by making a monthly donation, your support is there to welcome
our families every month and helps to build a foundation of ongoing and reliable
funding for the House.
Peace of mind that they have a safe
place to stay
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
Southwestern Ontario has the funding every month to keep families together
when they need each other most.
Comfort through relationships built with
other families in similar situations
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
Townes–Brocks syndrome. For families like the Pepes,
our “home away from home” helps lift financial and
emotional burdens while keeping them close to
their sick child.
To become a HouseWarmer
,
visit us online or
select the monthly giving option on the
enclosed donation slip.
Questions? Contact us:
Tel: (519) 685-3232 | Fax: (519) 685-0703
Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario
[email protected] | www.rmhswo.ca
https://www.facebook.com/rmhswo
741 Base Line Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6
Stay Connected
rmhswo.ca
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
brain tumor in her spinal cord.
Holland (right) visiting Olivia at
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.
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
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
so many other families just like them and continue to prove some memories will never
fade.
Heart Plaque ” In Memory
of Emmet Walker”
First Walker family photo
Mellissa (middle) at RMH
Run for the House
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!
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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
international DJ, games, dinner, friends and fun
all in support of RMH!
Say “Hi” to Sindy,
our Development Associate!
Visit redshoelondon.com for
information on getting involved!
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.®
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Stay Connected!
For event details you can:
Visit Our Website: www.rmhswo.ca
Visit Our Facebook: Ronald McDonald House
Southwestern Ontario
Follow Us On Twitter: @RMHSWOntario
Send Us an Email: [email protected]
For information on sponsoring or volunteering at
one of our events, please contact:
Kelley Montfort,
[email protected]
519-685-3232 x2503
2014 Best Year at Bonspiel!
Our 28th Annual Curling Bonspiel swept more hope
into our House than ever before—raising an
outstanding $36,212!
Thank you to ...
Our Presenting Sponsor:
Voted best team
uniforms!
Our Event Sponsors:
Wayne-Wright HVAC
Special Moments
Clinical Research Dental
Ronald and FM96 Come for a Visit!
Rona
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a
Our friends from FM96 came for a House visit with print nd
!
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
before the show!
A Special Gift for a Special Mom
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
and a Western Mustang
team member show their
support
The Srokosz Family
representing RMH in
their home town of
Chatham, ON
The Dunn Family talking
with Arms Bumanlag from
AM 800 Windsor about
RMH
Thanks to McDonalds for holding the 21st
consecutive McHappy Day!
Email [email protected] to get
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
chicken!
Visit our website or contact Brianna Evans for more information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-685-3232 x2507
HR & Finance Team
Cargill employee Cathy Day (left)
was the recipient of the Sue Taylor
Booster Award for her dedication as
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
2014 Paralympics in Sochi, being held March 7th to the 16th. Diagnosed with bone
cancer 4 years ago, Tyler had his left leg amputated but decided he would not let
it get in the way of his love for the ice!
Loads of Laundry: 117
Naps Taken: 42
Showers: 216
Overnight Rooms Used: 53
Average # of Visitors Per Day: 138
Donations We Could Use
After watching their son overcome so many obstacles
regarding his cancer diagnosis, Trudy and husband
Dean know he deserves gold, and will be there to
cheer him on from the stands!
Cream Cheese
Tyler’s dedication and ambition has given so many
kids going through a medical struggle hope, and
reminds all of us to never give up on the things we are
passionate about.
Cottage Cheese
To us, Tyler deserves gold no matter the score!
Packaged Snacks
Bread/Bagels
Trudy, Tyler and Dean
McGregor
Frozen Juices
Sign up to receive a copy of our monthly E-Newsletter by emailing [email protected]!
Southwestern Ontario Childrens Care Inc.
o/a Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario
741 Base Line Road East
London, Ontario N6C 2R6
42668016