Meet the Dix Family
From Masset, BC
The closest children’s hospital to the Dix family is more than 24 hours away and the trip would include: a two-hour drive to the ferry terminal, an eight-hour ferry ride, and seventeen additional hours in the car.
When fifteen-year-old Jalissa Dix was admitted to the Shapedown BC program at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, this mother- daughter duo packed their bags and said goodbye to their family and friends in Haida Gwaii. Along with the Shapedown clinic lasting up to ten weeks, the family had strategically planned to have other medical procedures and appointments scheduled, taking advantage of their time away from home.
“Saying goodbye was hard on her,” said Mom, Veronica.“We had to leave her younger sister at home, her auntie who is a second mom, and her grandma.” Jalissa and her family had visited the House twice before for her younger sister’s medical appointments.
During their last visit, they formed close friendships at the House that made returning much easier. They kept in touch with those families by phone, exchanging gifts, celebrating good news, and catching up on life. Although the Dix family admitted being far away from their family and culture felt isolating, they did find a supportive community at RMH BC that accepted them and best related to their situation.
Without the House, says Veronica, “we would have had to stay at a hotel and live off of fast food. At Ronald McDonald House BC we can cook our own meals.” Veronica and Jalissa were also thankful for the Art Therapy and Massage Therapy programs, which provided them with cherished moments of relaxation, creativity, connection, and self-expression.
During their stay, the Dix family had the chance to attend a hockey game, and on their previous visit, they were fortunate enough to win donated tickets to a Harry Styles concert. “These experiences were truly priceless to us as a family. They are things that we would never have been able to afford on our own,” says Veronica.
The location of the House also allowed Jalissa and her mom to walk to nearby recreation centres and use the pool and other facilities with the free passes provided. These moments were especially meaningful and provided a source of positivity. Amidst the chaos of difficult times, the Dix family found solace and a sense of belonging in their cherished home away from home.