Love on the Run: 42.2K for RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES CANADA

Ends: November 30, 2025

In Canada, two thirds of families live outside of a city with a children’s hospital and must travel long distances for treatment if their child is seriously ill or injured. On November 2nd, 2025, I will be running the New York City Marathon and raising funds to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada (RMHCC), a national organization that supports families all over the country who have to travel to access medical care for their sick child. Having worked for RMHCC in various capacities for over 10 years, I have seen firsthand the enormous impact that Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms have on families, serving as havens of support during a time of crisis. When I first became aware of the Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms, I had no idea that so many families in Canada lived in cities or towns that do not have a dedicated children’s hospital, or any easy access to paediatric care for serious illnesses or injuries. For these families, travelling long distances and being away from home for weeks or months at a time is a given - it is their only option to get the care required for a very sick child. We would all do it in a heartbeat if we had to. But the costs of getting that care can break a family, both financially and emotionally. The collective expenses of travel, food, accommodation and time away from work are not covered by provincial healthcare plans. These are out-of-pocket expenses that families must bear in order to access and maintain medical care for their child. On top of the financial challenges, the emotional strain of being away from family and friends at a time when they are needed most is exceptionally difficult and lonely. This is where Ronald McDonald Houses step in and fill an enormous gap in our healthcare system. They are houses - situated close to, or inside, the major children’s hospitals in Canada - where families can stay and be steps away from their sick child. But they are so much more than just a place of accommodation. Ronald McDonald Houses are places of extraordinary support, compassion, strength and love - providing meals, mental health and wellness programs, and a sense of community so that families don’t have to navigate their child’s treatment journey alone. Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are quiet, dedicated spaces inside hospitals where families can recharge, grab a bite to eat, shower, or get rest during the long days of testing or treatment. Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms support thousands of families every year. Unfortunately, they are not able to support all the families that are in need due to lack of space. So on November 2nd, I will run 42.2 kilometers to help raise funds to enable expansion of services and bedrooms - so that no family has to be turned away. Thank you so much for your consideration of a donation. It is deeply appreciated!