Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon (RMH BC) has been baby Emma’s home for a lot of ‘firsts.’ Needing specialist care even before her birth, Emma was born at BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Vancouver – the first baby born to a guest family at the new 73-bedroom RMH BC!

Throughout the first year and a half of her life, this happy little girl has needed monthly and sometimes bi-weekly trips to specialist clinics at BC Children’s Hospital, including neurology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, and endocrinology. Thanks to RMH BC, her family has been able to stay by her side, helping her grow and reach important milestones.

RMH BC provides accommodation and support for up to 2500 families each year when they must travel to Vancouver for their child’s life-saving medical care, and one third of the families we serve come from Vancouver Island.

For Emma’s mom Jessie, RMH BC provides the safety of a community when she is away from home. “I’ve made some lifelong friends here at the House,” says Jessie. “You always have somebody to cry with, somebody to celebrate with, and a roof over your head.” Emma’s big sister Rhiannon can also come to stay, keeping the family together when they need each other the most.