Meet Lee, Crystal and their new son Mason of Shearstown

Crystal Deering is a dedicated McDonald’s Restaurant Manager in Bay Roberts. She has always been an enthusiastic supporter of Ronald McDonald House during the past thirteen McHappy Days that she has helped organize. While she was excited when she learned that Newfoundland and Labrador would finally have their own Ronald McDonald’s House, she never thought that one day she too would need to avail of its services.

Crystal and Lee Deering of Shearstown have wanted to have children for many years now. They were both so excited in June 2013 when they flew to Halifax for Fertility Treatment (in vitro fertilization). This treatment was successful and Crystal was finally pregnant!!

However, that joy quickly changed to worry when Crystal was experiencing complications early in her pregnancy. It was discovered that she was also carrying twins. Sadly Crystal miscarried one of her babies at six weeks. She was hospitalized for one week and was then released with strict orders for bed rest. Knowing the complications and risks, they knew they needed to follow doctor’s orders precisely to ensure their baby survives.

Thankfully, on January 15, 2014, Crystal gave birth to Mason, nearly 8 weeks early. The delivery went very well and Crystal was released from hospital 23 hours later. Of course, any mother would want and need to stay close to the child. Travelling back and forth to Shearstown was not an option. Not only would it have been dangerous driving conditions and extremely exhausting, it would have been financially difficult.

It was then she was advised that Ronald McDonald House had a room available for both her and her husband, Lee.

“It is simply amazing here! Everyone was very friendly and made us feel at home. The Home for Dinner Program was also amazing. I recently had a home-made turkey dinner, which was my first real meal in three weeks.” said Crystal.

When Ronald McDonald House first opened in September 2012, Ken and Loretta Scott, Owners/Operators of five McDonald’s Restaurants in our province, organized a guided tour for their Managers.

“I was in awe the first time I saw Ronald McDonald House! I knew we needed this in our province, I just never thought I would actually need it. I am very proud to be an employee of McDonald’s, knowing that we have helped make this House a reality! Until you experience it yourself, you really don’t understand how important it is to families with sick children.” expressed Crystal.
By Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador