When you ask Natalia Corrigall what her favourite part of Ronald McDonald House is, she says, “everything!” Together with her little sister and best friend Annabel, she loves going down the slides and spending hours in the arts and crafts room. Natalia has just finished Grade One and comes back to RMH BC for regular checkups in Vancouver.

Three years ago, however, life was very different for Natalia and her family. When Natalia was 4 years old, her mom Christa took her to the doctor – and hours later the family was on an emergency flight from Campbell River to Vancouver. At BC Children’s Hospital, she was diagnosed with leukemia and the family learned she would need years of treatment, often far from home.

When the new RMH BC opened in 2014, the Corrigall family became one of the first families to stay with us. For Natalia and Annabel, the House was a place to play and be kids again after long days of treatment. For their parents Christa and Dax, the House was a place to relax and recharge.

From massages and spa days to family meals, staying at RMH BC helped Christa and Dax to have more energy for their children. “The family dinners provided complete relief,” said Christa. “Nutrition is such a big deal, especially when fighting cancer, so to have that looked after, when you just want to be with your child, is precious.” Christa’s favourite spot was the snakes and ladders playground, where she could unwind with a cup of tea while the girls played.

One of the most important things for the Corrigalls was the connections they made with other oncology families staying at the House – people who fully understood and who trusted each other to keep their immune-suppressed children safe. “We’re all in it together even if we don’t know each other yet or haven’t even met,” said Christa. “There were times when I gazed across the room at another mom and I just knew.” For Christa, special moments happened all the time within the walls of RMH BC – instantly understanding the struggles and fears of other parents, and being able to listen and offer comfort when they needed it most.

Natalia has now finished active treatment and is happily at home. She still dislikes going to the doctor for monthly blood tests, but loves being at school, as well as dancing, singing and drawing. Of course, everything is better when shared with her sister!