The Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer was there to support Adam Sia and Jocelyn Blanke Sia when their twin daughters were born six and a half weeks premature.
The Sylvan Lake couple stayed at the house for 23 days while their daughters were being cared for at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre back in March 2016.
When someone at the hospital approached them about staying at the house, which is located next to the hospital, they were initially unsure because they had another young daughter at home, who was being watched by family.
“After talking about it, we decided to stay here. In hindsight it was the best decision we ever made because we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” said Jocelyn.
Their twin daughters needed to be fed every couple of hours, so if they did return home they would have been travelling to and from the hospital frequently.
“When we came to the house, they said our daughter can come and visit here. She did and they welcomed our extended family as well,” said Adam.
The family returned to the facility on Thursday, when an event was held to celebrate the Red Deer house’s 10-year anniversary.
“This house means more to me and my family than I could ever describe,” Adam said.
“This staff and this house did everything they possibly could, in every avenue you can think of, just to support us and allow us to focus on what was important: our daughters.”
Jason Evanson, Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta CEO, said the organization is proud of the community’s support over the years.
“Were it not for the volunteers and donors who have been part of our family over the past decade, we wouldn’t be able to provide the essential services that we do,” said Evanson.
“One in four Canadians have either know somebody who stayed at a Ronald McDonald House or have stayed at one themselves.
“We’re an organization that not only provides a place for people to sleep, but we try to ensure that every aspect of day-to-day living is looked after, so moms, dads and caregivers can look after their child at the hospital next door.”
Evanson said the Red Deer facility wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Lyn Radford.
Ten years ago, representatives from the Calgary Ronald McDonald House approached Radford, who had previously spearheaded multiple projects in Red Deer, about opening a facility in Central Alberta.
“I jumped on board (and) was able to create a dynamic team that came together. With the help and support of the Calgary house, we were able to raise $12 million in 15 months time,” said Radford.
“Here we are, 10 years later, and the house has served so many families, and is still going strong. This is a celebration we need to have.”
For more information on Ronald McDonald House Charities, visit www.rmhcalberta.org.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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