Families find support and unity at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton

The Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton is all decked out for the holiday season. And on Wednesday, they’re getting ready to illuminate the front of the home, so families currently or formerly using their services can get into the holiday spirit.

It’s a festive time here at the Annual Light up our House for the Holidays event at Ronald McDonald house. The guest of honour, Santa Claus, is here greeting kids and there’s plenty of holiday music and treats.

The Ronald McDonald House offers families somewhere to stay while their child is undergoing treatment at a children’s hospital.

Three-year-old Nathan Descamps was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, an irregular heartbeat at birth.

He’s undergone four surgeries and nearly 50 hospital admissions, and their journey isn’t over.

His parents, Mike and Vanessa, and older brother Miles have stayed with the Ronald McDonald House next to McMaster Children’s Hospital here a total of 154 nights, including Christmas the last two years.

“Without Ronald McDonald House, I don’t know that we would be closer together as a family. It’s brought us closer together because we can stay together. When we weren’t able to be together at Ronald McDonald House it did feel separating. But it gives you a very unique perspective as to what is truly important in life,” said Vanessa, Nathan’s mother.