February 27, 2017

Meet Kaydee McIsaac of Stephenville – A Familiar Face at RMHC NL

The McIssacs – Andy, Shelly and their six-year old daughter, Kaydee, had their first experience at Ronald McDonald House in the fall of 2012 when their second daughter, Sophie, was born prematurely. Upon returning home to Stephenville, they noticed that something wasn’t quite right with Kaydee. It was discovered that Kaydee had a brain tumour and would need immediate attention in St. John’s. Since that time, the McIsaac family have been regular guests at Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador, during 22 separate visits totalling more than 335 nights.

When faced with a child’s illness, life stops and parents enter a world of fear and worry. For parents who don’t live close to the medical care their child needs, there’s an added stress. Distance. Most families have to travel hours for treatment. Living expenses quickly add up. Long drives, lost jobs, worried siblings, sleeping in cars. Being far from family and friends. These are extra burdens no family should have to experience.

The McIsaac family of Stephenville have become familiar faces at Ronald McDonald House. Over the past four years, they have searched for a cure and the best possible plan of action for their daughter, Kaydee. Physicians advised that surgery is too risky for Kaydee; therefore, the options are to continue with medications and chemotherapy. Having travelled many times from Stephenville to St. John’s over the past four years for medical appointments and treatment, the family expect that this will now continue for many years to come. Everyday there are new challenges but one thing remains constant – they have a home at Ronald McDonald House when they need it.

“Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador is our saviour, our breath of fresh air, in a world spinning out of control, both emotionally and financially. With the emotional stress of having a child with a serious illness, who needs the additional stress of losing their home. Ronald McDonald House has eliminated so much stress from a horrible situation. It is a great facility, which is much needed for hundreds of families in the exact situation, we are in. It offers families so much more than just a place to sleep. The programs and services are outstanding. There are organizations, businesses, and other groups cooking wonderful meals for families! It is clean, the staff and management are excellent, and the volunteers are exceptional! It is a place of shelter. It is a place of safety, but most important of all, it is a place of necessity! Thank you for everyone that supports and continues to support Ronald McDonald House! We don’t know what we would do without it.” – Andy McIsaac