Now five years old, Seamus was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at only 21 days old. Typically, CF patients travel to BC Children’s Hospital twice a year for checkups and treatment, but due to a genetic anomaly, Seamus’ doctors need to check in with him every eight weeks – usually for three days of appointments, but sometimes for two weeks at a time. Amy and Seamus, who travel from Whitehorse for treatment at BC Children’s Hospital, began staying at RMH BC when our new House opened in July 2014.

A typical day in Vancouver for this mother and son means waking up to a full day of appointments. If Seamus is fasting for blood work and tests, they grab an apple from the kitchen to take with them, and then take a short walk to the clinic at BC Children’s Hospital. From there, Seamus undergoes multiple tests, doctor’s appointments, x-rays, and medication consults. At the end of the day, it’s only a short walk back to their home away from home.

“It’s nice to have somewhere to come to that feels less clinical,” said Amy. “[RMH BC] feels very much like home.” The design of the House is welcoming, colourful, and clean. Friendly volunteers play with kids and provide relief for tired parents, who need to be “on their game” all the time when caring for a sick child.

Amy, a morning show co-host on CKRW The Rush, is also the president of CF Canada’s Yukon Chapter, which recently raised $100,000 for CF research.

During their visits to Vancouver, Amy appreciates that they have their own private space in a guest suite, but also communal kitchens that help her connect with other families, some whose children are also battling CF. “It can feel very isolating at times, as a parent, coming to Vancouver,” Amy shared. “Here you see a lot of the same faces and they become your medical family.”

For Seamus, the best part about staying at RMH BC is, of course, the slide!