Mom Marlena remembers the stress of those first few weeks after Gage’s diagnosis, when they learned that they would need to be in Vancouver for months. Marlena’s best friend called through video chat from her house in Salmon Arm to help collect everything they would need, and drove it down to Vancouver to meet them.

During this time, the family was relieved to find a home base at Ronald McDonald House, a place where the whole family could stay just steps from the hospital, and where they could stay connected while also looking after Gage’s 6-year-old sister Savannah. Marlena and Tyler take turns sleeping at the hospital and sleeping at the House, to take a break from noisy machines and ensure that they are well rested and better able to take care of Gage.

For the two siblings, it has been priceless to have the opportunity for Savannah to stay nearby. The siblings are very close and Gage always feels a boost from having his sister visit him in the hospital. When Savannah needs a break from the hospital, RMH BC is a kid friendly place for her to come home to, and she loves playing outside (rain or shine) and going down the slide.

As Gage continues to recover, the family is looking forward to spending more time together at the House. The few day passes that Gage was able to have were spent at the House. Savannah had told her brother all about the slide, so he was thrilled to finally have the chance to slide down himself! He also enjoyed relaxing by the koi pond. “We have fish at home, so it reminded him of home,” remembers Marlena. “We sat and watched the fish forever.”

For Marlena and Tyler, the House is a place to take a break and have some much-needed stress relief, either in the fitness centre or as part of the massage therapy program. At the House, they have the privacy and space to take quiet time for themselves, and can also find a community of support when they need it. They were amazed to run into somebody in the elevator from Salmon Arm, who was even staying on the same floor!

They are grateful that so many details were taken care of, like having fridge and freezer space to store food. The Family Meals program has also helped to take a load off their shoulders, and as parents they are thrilled to see Gage becoming excited about dinner again. “We are always in the hospital, so we really look forward to popping over and getting some home-made food,” says Marlena. “My son couldn’t eat for a couple of months, and now he is so excited to find out what they are cooking each day!”

When asked what they want the community to know about RMH BC? “It’s a great blessing to have this,” says Marlena. “It truly has taken a lot of stress off our shoulders, to be able to walk away from the hospital, find some calmness, and collect ourselves again – and it’s so close that we can walk back and forth! We knew that RMH existed but we didn’t know what was offered. It has everything we need!”