Skip to content

Ronald McDonald House a 'lifesaver' for Kruk family

Terra Kruk said Ronald McDonald House in Toronto has been a “lifesaver” for her family. “It really is our home away from home,” she said. “That's what their motto is. It was great.
090513_McHappy_1
The Kruk family pitched in at the Espanola McDonald's during McHappy Day May 8. On the bottom, from left, are Karissa, Makaylah, Terra, Annakah, Mariah, Rebekah and Kaylee. On the top are Dave and Joshua. Supplied photo.

Terra Kruk said Ronald McDonald House in Toronto has been a “lifesaver” for her family.

“It really is our home away from home,” she said.

“That's what their motto is. It was great. There wasn't anything they didn't think of that families need or could use while you're away. It was all there. The staff were so friendly and warm. We just loved it. It's hard to even put into words how great of a place it is.”

Last summer, her now eight-year-old daughter, Karissa, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and airlifted to Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital.

The family ended up staying at Ronald McDonald House for nine months as Karissa received treatment.

Ronald McDonald House provided a two-bedroom apartment so that Terra, husband Dave, 11-year-old Makaylah, 10-year-old Kaylee, six-year-old Rebekah, four-year-old Joshua and nearly two-year-old Annakah could be close to Karissa.

While they were in Toronto, the children attended Ronald McDonald House's on-site school. The Kruks' eldest daughter, Mariah, 19, stayed in Sudbury so she could attend college.

Terra said the family would never have been able to stay in Toronto during Karissa's illness if it weren't for Ronald McDonald House, as it's extremely expensive to rent apartments in the area.

The family was able to come home at the beginning of April, as Karissa's condition has stabilized enough she's now able to receive treatment at the Northeast Cancer Centre, with only occasional trips to Sick Kids.

To show their appreciation for Ronald McDonald House, all nine Kruks served up burgers and fries at the Espanola McDonald's on May 8 as part of McHappy Day.

“I think I have a few future McDonald's employees on my hands now,” Terra laughs.

On McHappy Day, all McDonald's franchises donate $1 from every Big Mac sandwich, Happy Meal and hot McCafe beverage to Ronald McDonald Children's Charities and other children's charities across Canada.

“McDonald's is truly committed to being there for Canadian families when their children are sick and need extra support,” said Cathy Loblaw, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada, in a press release.

“From founding the first Ronald McDonald House in 1981, to providing everlasting support through unique programs, McDonald's has helped over 200,000 Canadian families heal better together when their child is sick.”

Terra said she especially enjoyed telling customers going through the Drive-Thru about her family's recent experience at Ronald McDonald House.

“We tell everybody now, if you have any extra money, we can tell you where to put it,” she said. “It's a wonderful charity. It really, really is a worthwhile cause.”

Now that they're back home, life is getting back to normal for the Kruks.

Most of the kids are back in class at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School, although Karissa missed so much school while she was sick the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is providing her with in-home tutoring to help her catch up.

When it comes to Karissa's health, she's feeling much better these days. Much to the little girl's happiness, the hair she lost while undergoing treatment has begun to grow back, Terra said.

“She's feeling really good, as far as her energy goes,” she said. “She's getting back to her old self again.”

Meanwhile, a Sault Ste. Marie boy has started a penny drive to benefit Ronald McDonald House, with the goal of raising $1,000 for the cause.

Gabe Rector's family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in London, Ont., while he was in hospital.

Sudbury-based Bestech is assisting Gabe in his fundraising. Pennies can be dropped at Bestech's two Sudbury locations, at 1040 Lorne St. and 1545 Maley Dr., as well as its Timmins location, at 690 Riverpark Rd., until May 31.

For more information, phone Bestech at 705-675-7720. 


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Heidi Ulrichsen

About the Author: Heidi Ulrichsen

Read more