A Point Edward family who knows first-hand the importance of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is sharing their personal story this McHappy Day.
Christine Scott said her daughter Taylor was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 15.
"We had seen a commercial on the TV about a month before and we thought 'Wow, this is really sweet. People can stay close to their families.' Little did we know that it would be us a month later," said Scott. "We want to do whatever we can to help those that suddenly have a situation thrown at them."
Scott said it helped to know that she wouldn't have to worry about where to stay and what to eat while supporting her daughter through her treatments.
"In London, [RMH] was right across the parking lot so it gave me the opportunity to stay in the room with my daughter during the day and into the evening," she said. "Then, I could go over to RMH, have a good night sleep, and come back early in the morning -- as early as she needed me to. If she ever needed me through the night, she knew that I was close by."
As a teenager, Taylor went through 26 rounds of chemotherapy in London and surgery in Toronto, where Scott was also able to stay at a RMH. Scott said Taylor would usually spend two to three days in hospital and go home for seven to 10 days, before going back for treatment.
"There was a time partway through her treatment that she was in hospital for about three weeks straight so I was able to stay at RMH for that entire three weeks to be close by," said Scott.
Taylor was diagnosed with cancer in November 2015. Now, she is 21-years-old with a goal of helping others.
"She's doing really well. She just graduated from the [Registered Practical Nurse] program at Lambton College," said an emotional Scott. "During her treatment, she never felt uncomfortable. She always felt that she was treated with respect by the nurses and she wanted to do that."
Taylor Scott. (Photo submitted by Christine Scott. Photo by Melissa Doyle)
September 22 marks the 27th McHappy Day to take place in Canada. This year, a portion of proceeds from all menu items throughout the day, at participating restaurants, will support RMHC in the area.
RMHC Southwestern Ontario supports families traveling to Windsor or London through three programs, RMH London, RMH Windsor, and RM Family Room London.
Orders through the McDonald's app, Door Dash, Uber Eats, and Skip the dishes on McHappy Day will support RMHC. Donations of $2 for McHappy Day Hearts are also available.