For many families, the Ronald McDonald House is a name they recognize—a place they may have passed by or heard about in passing. But for Monique Reboe-Benjamin and her family, it became much more than that. It became a home, a support system, and a beacon of hope during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Monique and her husband, Ushane, welcomed their daughter, Mikaiah, in March 2024. Initially, everything seemed fine, and they were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. However, once home, they noticed something wasn’t right. Mikaiah was cold, struggling to feed, and her condition wasn’t improving.
A lactation consultant, who also happened to be a nurse, urged them to take Mikaiah to the emergency room immediately. What started as a concern over feeding soon escalated to a whirlwind of medical tests. Initially, doctors suspected bronchiolitis, but then a doctor noticed a heart murmur. Monique and Mikaiah were quickly flown to a specialized hospital in Edmonton while Ushane and their son Micah made the long six hour journey by car. The family was told to pack for a short stay likely seven to ten days.
What was supposed to be a simple procedure turned into something far more complex. Mikaiah needed a heart transplant. Within days of arriving in Edmonton, Mikaiah was placed on a left ventricular assist device while waiting for a transplant. Suddenly the family found themselves navigating a 245-day journey, with 241 of those days spent at the Ronald McDonald House.
At first, the Ronald McDonald House was simply a place to stay close to the hospital. But as time went on, it became an invaluable source of comfort and support.
One of Monique’s most cherished memories from their stay revolved around her son, Micah. On his birthday, the family hadn’t had the time or energy to plan a celebration. But in a quiet, thoughtful gesture, a volunteer at the House slipped Monique a small envelope and whispered, “Tuck this into his lunch bag.”
Later that day, Micah discovered the card adorned with hand-drawn pictures of his favourite things—a soccer ball, a Minecraft character, and his beloved hockey player. His face lit up with pure delight.
“That was the best part of his birthday,” Monique recalls, her voice thick with emotion. “It made the day feel extra special. It showed us that this wasn’t just a place to sleep. This was home, and these people had become our extended family.”
Moments like these weren’t isolated—they were woven into the fabric of their time at the House. Ushane fondly remembers the Summer Foam Party, a carefree afternoon where laughter filled the air. For a brief moment, he could set aside his worries and just be present with Micah, the two of them locked in a playful sword fight, wielding pool noodles as if they were knights defending a castle.
It wasn’t just grand gestures that made a difference; it was the quiet kindness of the staff and volunteers who checked in regularly, offering support in the smallest yet most meaningful ways—a warm conversation in the kitchen or the shuttle van, a shared smile in the hallway, or the simple act of helping families find community with each other.
Throughout their stay, Monique and her family met other parents going through similar medical journeys. Some isolated themselves, unsure if they belonged. They encourage families to embrace the support that Ronald McDonald House offers.
“The House is not just a place to sleep. It’s a place to unwind, to forget a little about the hospital, to recharge and take care of yourself,” she shares. “It helped us visualize a future beyond this difficult phase.”
Today, Mikaiah is home with her family in Saskatoon, thriving under the care of a dedicated medical team. While they are grateful for their time at the Ronald McDonald House, they are even more grateful for the opportunity to be home.
“We love you guys,” Ushane says, reflecting on his time at the House. “But we’re happy to be home now, spending more time as a family.”
For families facing medical challenges, the Ronald McDonald House is more than just a place to stay—it’s a place of love, support, and community. Monique’s advice to other families is simple: “Give it a try. The House has so much to offer if you allow it to.”
Through the highs and lows of their journey, Monique’s family found strength in an unexpected place. And as they move forward, they do so with gratitude—for the home they found when they needed it most.
