My name is Sheena – I’m a mom to three beautiful children including my brave son Kalix.

When Kalix was born, he wasn’t breathing, and his lungs were filled with fluid. I was so scared. Kalix was emergency airlifted from North Bay to Ottawa. The doctors at CHEO said he shouldn’t have survived.

Kalix continues to defy the odds. At six years old, he has already had 13 life-saving surgeries.

Kalix and I have been fortunate to stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Ottawa for over 70 nights so far. We’ve been there so often that Kalix kicks off his shoes and runs through the House like he owns the place. It’s a true home away from home for both of us.

Can you help families like ours who call RMHC Ottawa “home”?

Let me tell you about how special the House is. The people there make the House feel like a home. They make you feel so welcome and comfortable – even when it’s been a hard day. I couldn’t ask for a better and more uplifting place to be while going through everything that we're going through.

Being at the House has made the journey so much easier. RMHC Ottawa is steps away from CHEO. It’s so close we can walk over for appointments. There is always fresh coffee and snacks to take with you when you’re running out the door. They even have volunteers cooking dinner for families. After a long day at the hospital, a warm meal is so comforting. 

Kalix and I have spent Christmas and other holidays at RMHC Ottawa. The staff members go out of their way to make the holidays special. There is a huge Christmas tree and decorations in every corner of the House. Families have a holiday meal, a visit from Santa, presents, and lots of holiday treats. It means so much when we can’t be with our own family.

The team at RMHC Ottawa tells me that the cost to operate one room is $95 a night. Families only pay $10 a night if they can afford it. It’s because of supporters like you that RMHC Ottawa can keep the cost so low for families. Thank you so much!

Today, I’m asking you to make a special holiday donation. A gift of $55 provides comforts of home for a family like ours who needs to stay at RMHC Ottawa.

Plus if you donate by December 24th, Coca-Cola will match your gift up to $5,000. This means $55 turns into $110! That’s pretty incredible if you ask me.

Please make a gift today and give comfort to families like ours while their child is sick.

With hope and gratitude,

Sheena - Kalix's mom