Matt shares how RMHC Toronto strengthened his relationship with his son.

The day my son was born was the happiest and worst day of my life.

My wife and I waited so long to meet this little human, and while we wanted to finally meet him, we were fearful of his diagnosis. We learned that Adam would need to wait for a life-saving surgery and be away from home for a long time.

Adam was two months old for my first Father’s Day. We wore matching shirts. I spent the day holding him, playing with him, and letting him sleep on my shoulder, but not more than a few feet from the wall. The tube, the wires, only allowed me to take him so far.

I felt powerless as a parent. There was nothing I could do to help our situation. And that’s where Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto comes in.

RMHC Toronto allowed me to do my job as a dad. I stayed by my son’s side in the hospital so that I could be there for him, no matter what.

Sun Life recognizes the sacrifices dads make for their family. Honour a special father figure in your life this Father’s Day by donating to RMHC Toronto and Sun Life will double your impact.

All donations until Father’s Day, June 21, 2020, will be doubled by Sun Life*.

The House gave us a place to call home at the most difficult time in our lives. We also used the Family Room at SickKids, which let us take a break from the stress of the hospital. RMHC Toronto was our home for eight long months.

When the day finally came to bring Adam home, we packed up our belongings and said our goodbyes to the staff that had become like family. With tears in our eyes, Adam was home. We spent our first night cuddled as a family in our bed and soaking in every glorious moment of it.

It has been 18 months since we brought Adam home, and not a day goes by where I don’t think of what my family has been through.

Thanks to RMHC Toronto, I now have a bond with my son that’s unlike anything I could have ever imagined. And I can continue to do my job as a dad and be there for my son, no matter what.

*To a maximum total contribution of $10,000.