With Father's Day on the horizon, Ronald McDonald House Charities British Columbia & Yukon ((RMHC BC&Y) is recognizing the role that dads play in the healing journey of their children, and is calling on the communities across British Columbia and Yukon to support its ongoing fundraising efforts to provide a home away from home during the medical journey of a critically ill or injured child.
Until June 21, donations will be doubled up to $10,000 thanks to Inland and Case Construction Equipment Charity Drive. Donations can be made at rmhbc.ca.
Donations help families like the Chisholms of Prince George, for whom support from RMHC BC&Y was indispensable when 15-year-old Samuel was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma called INI1-deleted hematolymphoid malignancy.
Colin and Tina Chisholm, along Samuel, began their stay at RMHC BC & Yukon in April 2023. Over more than 400 days and counting, the charity reports, the family has found solace and support within the walls of RMHC BC & Y, with plans to stay intermittently for the foreseeable future as Samuel continues his treatments.
As Father's Day approaches, Colin Chisholm is extending thanks to RMHC BC & Y donors. “Thank you! Your support has allowed my family to remain together through the hardest time in our lives. I honestly cannot imagine what we would vhave done without RMHC BC & Yukon. Living at the House through this long road of treatment was the only option that made sense,” Chisholm said. “One word – relief.”
The ability to cook and store groceries in the kitchens, coupled with the Family Meals program, provides the Chisholm family with comfort and stability. Music therapy and massage therapy are among Samuel's favourite activities, with the family forming strong connections with the dedicated staff and volunteers. At RMHC BC & Yukon, the Chisholm family have found a supportive community among other families facing similar challenges.
They’ve become good friends with many families there, bonding over shared experiences, and while these friendships are intense, they all support each other through their children’s individual journeys.
