The Cryderman family honours their daughter’s legacy through their annual fundraising golf tournament for Ronald McDonald House Charities

March 1994 was an exciting time for Cindy and Alex Cryderman, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their second child. But their happiness was soon overshadowed during a routine checkup that September, when Cindy discovered that their baby’s heart rate was abnormally low. She was urgently transferred to Chedoke McMaster University Hospital in Hamilton, Ont., where she would undergo weeks of monitoring by specialists. Accompanied by their son Jacob, the Crydermans found solace in an unexpected place—Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario—since they had no family or friends in the area.

On December 6, 1994, Jordin Jewel Cryderman was born, defying the odds with her remarkable resilience despite her low heart rate. In the spring of 1995, Jordin, known affectionately as “Jordy,” was scheduled for surgery at SickKids Hospital in Toronto to implant a pacemaker, which would help regulate her heart rate. However, doctors soon discovered another complication—a problem with one of her heart valves that required ongoing monitoring. Throughout her hospital visits, the Ronald McDonald House in Toronto became a sanctuary for the Cryderman family during their long days.

Over the next four years, Jordy’s heart valve condition worsened. She was eventually prescribed medication and had an assessment scheduled for potential surgery in April 1999. Unfortunately, fate dealt a cruel hand, and unexpectedly, Jordy peacefully passed away in her sleep on March 10, 1999. Jordin’s family and those who knew her cherished her deeply. She left an indelible mark on the lives she touched.

Determined to honour Jordy’s name and keep her memory alive, Alex, Cindy, and Jake Cryderman sought a way to give back to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which had provided them with so much support. A family friend, Tom Walker, suggested the family create a fundraising event, and became instrumental in their pursuit to create something meaningful in Jordy’s memory. And so, the Ronald McDonald House Jordin Jewel Cryderman Memorial Golf Tournament was born, with the assistance of Jim McCauley, Owner/Operator of Thunder Bay McDonald’s Restaurants, and other local business owners, including Kathy Bukovy, Ron Marostica, Peter McCallum, and John Butuk.

On September 17, 1999, the inaugural tournament took place, raising $50,000. The event’s success propelled the tournament to become an annual tradition, attracting continuous support from both individuals and businesses.

Over the past 17 years, the tournament has raised a remarkable $1,000,000 in donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Many of the original sponsors remain steadfast in their support, and the Crydermans hope that this legacy will continue for years to come.

Reflecting on their experiences, Cindy shares: “RMHC Toronto was truly a ‘home away from home’ for us. It relieved us of the financial burdens of accommodations and dining during our extended stay. But more importantly, it offered us understanding, compassion, and strength through the friendships we formed with other parents facing their own fears of having a critically ill child. We will forever be grateful for our beautiful, sweet Jordy. She is missed every day.”

This year, the Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Tournament in Thunder Bay is taking place on August 25. To find out more about the event, visit rmhgolf.com.

You can also support the Cryderman’s fundraising efforts by participating in the tournament’s 50/50 lottery. To purchase tickets, visit rmhc.rafflenexus.com/a/thunder-bay