Questions? Contact us: Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario

741 Base Line Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2R6

Tel: (519) 685-3232 | Fax: (519) 685-0703

info@rmhswo.ca | www.rmhswo.ca

https://www.facebook.com/rmhswo

Pg. 2 Family Story

Pg. 3 Hope Rocks

Pg 1. Wish List & Volunteer Story

Pg. 4 Around The House & Donations and Support

February 2014 Issue

1

We are thankful for every

donation made to the House!

Currently we are in need of:

Food

•Mayo •Mustard •Microwavable

Kraft Dinner Cups •Fruit Cups

•Bread •Frozen Juice

Kitchen

• Freezer Safe Ziploc Bags

• Garbage Bags (large black,

small kitchen catchers)

•Can Openers

House and Families

•Lysol Wipes •Plastic Clothes

Hangers •DVD’s for the Entire

Family •Batteries (AA and AAA

and 9V especially)

Our Babies

•Diapers • Diaper Cream

•Teething Rings

Other

Baskets of all shapes & sizes

for making gift baskets!

See a full list on our website!

Stay Connected rmhswo.ca

Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario ®

As a volunteer, I have come to view the Ronald McDonald House as

a refuge for families with sick children: one that harbors hope and courage.

While my family never stayed in the RMH, I know a number of families over

the years that have. These families and I share one important thing in

common – transplantation. Just over 5 years ago (and a few days after my

16th birthday), I received a life-saving double-lung transplant. This gift of life

would not have been possible without an incredibly selfless donor and

donor family.

While I was waiting for my new lungs, my family was my rock and

biggest support. Once I ditched my oxygen tank and limitations, I knew I

wanted to give back, especially in the healthcare area. I am honored to

play a small role in the lives of such beautiful and courageous families here

in London.

- Katie Sutherland

Sharing Something in Common

Insider

2

Lying in the delivery room moments after giving birth, Amanda was told

by the doctor that her son Reed was a happy, healthy baby. Waiting

with husband Ryan, and excited for daughter Shaelyn to meet her new

brother, Amanda was not expecting the doctor to return to the room

moments later to announce Reed was being flown to Children’s

Hospital in London, ON. Living in Thunder Bay, the family didn't even

think twice about where they would stay—they just new they had to go

with Reed.

When the Pepe family made the 1370 km trip to London, they learned that their son suffered from an

Imperforate Anus and would need immediate surgery. Just two days after being born on December 18th,

2012, Reed underwent major surgery and received a colostomy bag. Over 400

internal stiches later, the family thought their son had made it through and

were ready to get back to “normal” every-day life. However, the doctors

discovered Reed also had a Duplex Kidney and several other medical issues

which led to his diagnosis of a rare medical issue called Townes-Brocks

Syndrome.

Due to Reed’s serious condition, the Pepe family have found themselves at the

House on a regular basis for the past year while Reed has undergone 7 major

surgeries. Staying sometimes for a few days and others for a few weeks, in total

the family has stayed at the House for close to 8 months and will continue to

need this “home away from home” while Reed receives the medical care he

needs.

Reed’s older sister Shaelyn is his best friend, and when she is able to come from

Thunder Bay to stay at the House Reed is ecstatic. Mom will say “Reed, where’s

Shae Shae?” and his eyes light up as he looks around the room. A big flirt, Reed

has a few girlfriends around the House, and now that he is learning to walk the

play rooms are a great place for him to just be a kid! Amanda enjoys talking

with the volunteers— or as she likes to call them guardian angels— and has

made so many friends with the other families staying at the House. Ryan

explains “When you come here you don’t feel like you are walking into a

strange place, the volunteers, families and the House itself are warm and

welcoming, a place where we can relax with Reed away from the hospital.”

The Pepe family has truly become part of the RMH family, and all the staff and

volunteers get excited when they see Reed is coming to stay at the House.

Making a trip to London every 1-3 months for check-ups and surgeries, Reed’s

family is able to stay close by every step of the way with the help of Ronald

McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. Reed will never have to face a

medical challenge alone, because his family, and his extended RMH family,

will be there with him!

Staying Strong through Every Surgery

… Together

Reed with his sister,

and best friend, Shaelyn.

Reed with Mike Wazowski from

Monsters Inc. at the House.

Shae at the House wishing

Reed good luck!

March 28th, 2014 Hideaway Records,

London, ON.

Rock out in support of

Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario !

This live music party will have you...

~Singing Karaoke with Toronto’s famous Dave Murphy Band

~Being entertained by the FM96’s Taz Morning Show crew

~Munching at the Candy Bar

~Rocking at the Photo Booth

~Playing Games to Win Prizes

~Eating Gourmet Pub Grub

Our House is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Hope Rocks This House event. Not your “typical” fundraiser, Hope Rocks raises support for seriously ill children and their families by encouraging attendees to let out their inner rock star, dance like crazy, sing like no one’s watching and help raise the roof for RMH!

Get Your Ticket to Raise the Roof ! Sindy Humphrey

shumphrey@rmhswo.ca

519-685-3232

Get you tickets online:

http://hoperocks2014.kintera.org

Presented By

Sponsored By

Clinical Research Dental

Donations and Support

100 Women Who Care London chose our House as their charity

of choice! So far this empowering group has donated over

$23,200, with more to come. Thank you for your support!

Ronald McDonald House Charities has been named the official

charity of the 2014 Subaru Triathlon Series. We're so excited to be

a part of this great event! Thank you to Subaru and all of the

athletes who will be pushing their own limits!

Around the House

The Quiet Room has been a place of relaxation for Emma and her

mom. They are here while Emma’s older sister receives medical

care at LHSC, and they often find themselves in the Quiet Room

knitting and making bracelets to help pass the time.

Brian and his daughter Rachel have been coming to

the House twice a month to make delicious pies for our

families to enjoy! Made with love, these great desserts

—everything from cherry to pecan— have not only

satisfied the sweet tooth but also remind RMH Families

their community supports them!

Too Cute!

If this over-the-top winter made your old car give up for good you

can use it to help keep sick kids and their families cozy and warm this

winter at our House. We'll tow it away for you and you'll get a tax

receipt for the amount it sells for at auction. It's a warm warm win win!

When you donate your unwanted vehicle to Ronald McDonald House

Southwestern Ontario you are helping to ensure families with seriously

ill children have a safe place to rest their heads just steps away from

the hospital.

A Great Way to Drive Support

Visit www.onecarhelpsrmhc.com

Want to bake at the House?

Contact Brianna at

communication@rmhswo.ca