Ronald McDonald house provides haven for Manitoba families

WINNIPEG – Wednesday is McHappy Day, and Global News personalities are helping out at Winnipeg McDonalds as part of the fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House, the facility that gives families a place to stay while children are undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital. The home helps dozens of Manitoban families every year, including Trudy and John Weibe.

“Sometimes just knowing you’re sitting at the same table with another family, who is also struggling with tremendous amounts of stress, and all that comes with it, there’s encouragement in it,” said Trudy. “For us and for them too, to know they’re not walking this road alone.”

Their 16 year old son Marshall is going through treatments at the Health Sciences Centre. Marshall has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and complications from his illness has kept him in hospital. For the family of six, it’s been a journey full of challenges.

“We had so many dark valleys, I would say we had to walk through,” said John. “It’s like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes we are up and down in one day, sometimes up one day and down the next.”

Having the option to stay at the Ronald Mcdonald House when the family lives over an hour away has relieved much of their daily stress, and given their other children a place to stay and play while visiting their big brother in the hospital.

“We hang out with our other kids on the weekends, its just so comfortable,” said John.  “You don’t have to worry about your safety or any of these things.”

The Weibe’s are among 14 families that are staying at the Ronald Mcdonald House and there is currently a waiting list for more families like them that need the facilities. McHappy Day will serve as one of the largest fundraisers to help more families like the Weibe’s have a place to call home while supporting a sick family member.

Global’s Talia Ricci has more on the RMH and the families it benefits.