Born over 400 kms from home, little Sophie was able to have her whole family at her side, thanks to you.

At just 28 weeks and two days into her pregnancy, Sophie’s mom, Madison, was airlifted from the family’s home in Temiscaming, Quebec, to Toronto—and Sophie was born within hours. After baby Sophie was diagnosed with a dangerous build-up of fluid deep inside her brain, she was transferred to SickKids.

Dad Riley drove all night from the family’s home in northern Quebec to reach his wife and their newborn daughter. He had no choice but to leave their other daughters behind with their grandma.

The worried parents stayed in the hospital with Sophie for a week. Doctors told them their baby needed surgery—and she’d have to be hospitalized for several more weeks. Madison says, “It was very, very scary. On top of everything, we were paying for our house and all our bills. How could we afford a hotel in downtown Toronto?”

Sophie with sisters Stella (L) and Blaire (R), as well as Mom and Grandma

Far from home and unsure of where to turn, Madison and Riley connected with a social worker at the hospital. She told them about RMHC Toronto and made a referral on the family’s behalf.

For 103 nights, thanks to generous supporters just like you, Madison, Riley, and their toddlers, Blaire and Stella, stayed at RMHC Toronto. Not only were they grateful for comfortable accommodation close to Sophie’s hospital, they found strength in being with other families going through a similar experience, and the older children loved participating in fun activities like pet visits and arts and crafts.

Madison says, “I’d be completely lost without my girls. It would be so difficult not to have them with us. We definitely couldn’t stay together without Ronald McDonald House Toronto. We’re unbelievably thankful to everyone who supports this special charity.”

Madison, Riley, and their older daughters, who are two and three years old, were able to go to the hospital to see baby Sophie every day. As she recovered from life-saving surgery, they were comforted by the support they received at RMHC Toronto.

Madison fondly recalls the amount of smiles they saw at Ronald McDonald House Toronto. “Just being around positive people who share their love and energy feels so good.”

This holiday season, please give from your heart to provide strength, hope, and togetherness to a family like Sophie’s.

To make a gift, visit: rmhctoronto.ca/holiday