THUNDER BAY – Cory and Crystal Koski credit the Ronald McDonald House for helping their family go through one of the toughest experiences they could have imagined.
The couple welcomed their son Elliot into the world last September, but he was born prematurely at 27 weeks and weighed just one pound and 13 ounces.
The accommodations and support from the Ronald McDonald House in Toronto helped during their son’s extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“When we got there it was one of those magical moments of awe and humility. You just feel like you’re not worthy to be there because there’s all these little kids running around and some have no hair,” Cory Koski said.
“Families have been there for weeks or months and we spent 74 days at the NICU in Toronto and we got to know that environment and the families. It just became such a special place for us.”
The services provided at the Ronald McDonald House allow families to put all of their energy and focus into caring for their child at the hospital, he said.
“You don’t have to worry about not having a vehicle there, you’re so close to the hospital, you get some of your meals cooked for you at the Toronto location,” Koski said. “The emotional support and having somebody there to talk to is fantastic.”
Across the country, McDonald’s restaurants celebrated McHappy Day with $1 from every coffee, Big Mac and Happy Meal sold being donated towards the Ronald McDonald House.
The family was welcomed as special guests at Thunder Bay’s Red River Road location, where they were invited behind the counter to get a behind the scenes look.
Monique Widla, general manager of the Red River location, said there are 15 Ronald McDonald Houses in Canada that help children and their families.
“They love it. McHappy Day is a fantastic day. It brings light to people. People are donating extra money just because of their experiences with the Ronald McDonald House,” Widla said.
The Thunder Bay locations are hoping to raise $12,000, she added.
Elliot, who was born eight months ago but is now just fourth months past the anticipated due date, weighs about 14.5 pounds.
“He’s happy and healthy and we’re really fortunate to have him in the state that he’s in,” Koski said.
