Meet Matthew Rideout of Buchans, NL
The emotional and logistical strain on families facing a child’s serious illness is immense which for many families is compounded by their distance to medical care. Ronald McDonald House plays a vital role by providing not just a place to stay, but also a supportive environment that helps families stay close to their child and focus on what truly matters—getting them well. Ronald McDonald House keeps families with a sick child together and near the medical care they need, when they need it the most.
Last fall, Matthew began complaining about a pain in his side, the pain would temporarily subside and then return and was spreading down his leg and to his back. At one point the pain got so bad, Matthew ended up leaving school early. That day, Matthew and his Mom Tracy, went to their family doctor in Buchans, who advised they would need to go for additional testing. Less than 48 hours after that appointment, the family was on their way to St. John’s where within a couple of days, their biggest fears were confirmed. Matthew was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 3B.
The family was told that they would need to re-locate to St. John’s for the next 6 months, where Matthew would undergo surgery and receive chemotherapy treatments. With home being 5 hours away from the hospital, Tracy knew that leaving the city wasn’t an option, she needed to be close to Matthew. Tracy has had to defer her employment, and as a single income family, staying anywhere other than RMHC NL was not an option. Due to the treatments Matthew has become immunocompromised and at risk of a potentially fatal complication called ‘febrile neutropenia’.
“After his second chemo treatment he was admitted to the Janeway for this condition. We quickly realized the importance of being in close proximity to the hospital.” said Tracy Rideout.
While Tracy and Matthew have a great support system with Tracy’s sister Pamela and her mom, Sandra, taking turns spending time with the family, they have also found comfort and support in having met other families staying at RMHC.
“On Christmas Day, our family gathered around the communal tree to open presents, we then gathered to prepare an old-fashioned Christmas Dinner. Afterwards a sing-along ensued amongst the families who were celebrating Christmas together at Ronald McDonald House.” Tracy said.
At RMHC NL, the family spends a lot of time in the heart of the house, the kitchen. When they have a break in chemotherapy and appointments for Matthew, they find comfort in the day-to-day tasks of preparing meals for themselves and for other families at the house.
“The volunteers and staff are second to none. RMHC is truly ‘a home away from home.’ Having other families around is also a form of comfort and support. Having a home cooked meal, baked goods, fresh brewed coffee and a warm room is such a huge blessing.” said Tracy.
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