Meet the Slobodon family, from Coaldale, AB

After several trips to their local hospital in Lethbridge, AB, and knee and brain surgery at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, doctors just couldn’t quite put their finger on why Ty Slobodon’s bones were constantly fracturing as he tried to grow.

After a referral to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ty and his mom, Chelsea, found themselves calling Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa ‘home’ as doctors continued to research Ty’s very rare bone condition.

Halfway across the country, away from the rest of his family, Ty sought refuge in the fact that he knew where he would be sleeping that night when he got off the plane for his 5^th trip to CHEO. There would be a basketball net to blow off some steam, and other parents for his mom to chat with if she needed something, or someone to lend an ear.

“It’s reassuring that if I need to go to the hospital for an emergency, I’m right beside it. It’s nice to know that when we land in Ottawa, we’re going to be welcomed back into a real home. It’s a safe feeling to know where we’re going.”

After receiving multiple therapies to treat Ty’s bones, he’s feeling much better. Back on the basketball court and relatively pain-free, Ty is grateful for RMHC and his medical team at CHEO.

Mom, Chelsea, a nurse, knows that there is therapy in human connection when you have a sick child.

“Even if you can afford to go stay at the Ritz-Carlton, you would really miss that human aspect of the House. There’s camaraderie in other parents who have sick kids.”

Having visited RMHCO 5 times since 2018, both Chelsea and Ty can still feel the warmth of the staff, volunteers, and other families when they visit the House – even behind a mask.

As Ty’s medical journey continues, and as the team at CHEO find new answers for his medical condition, RMHCO will continue to welcome them ‘home’ when they travel to Ottawa for care.

This Giving Tuesday, we would like to thank our Founding Partner Coca-Cola for matching donations up to $50,000.