“To the donors who make this place possible: thank you. Your generosity gave us more than a place to stay. It gave us peace of mind, a warm meal, and the strength to be there for our son. The low cost of staying at the home matters, especially in hindsight – with Forrest’s medical challenges, we have had to incur many unforeseen costs to support him. The money we saved on accommodation and food allowed us to allocate those funds to the treatment he needs.” – Ben, Michelle, and Forrest Findlay
A Challenging Beginning On July 28, 2022, Ben and Michelle Findlay welcomed their son, Forrest Benjamin Findlay, into the world. His arrival was anything but ordinary. After a long and traumatic two-day labour at Regina General Hospital, Forrest was delivered via emergency C-section. At birth, he wasn’t breathing and his colour was deeply concerning. Thanks to the swift care of the medical team, Forrest was stabilized and transferred to the NICU for monitoring—a standard precaution.
Soon after, Forrest began having seizures. Doctors suspected a brain injury and quickly moved him to intensive care, where he received urgent treatment including a breathing tube, a feeding tube, multiple medications, and a cooling blanket to protect his brain. His initial diagnosis was HIE (Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy), a serious condition requiring specialized care.
A Long Road to Specialized Care It became clear that Forrest needed specialized neurological care at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. He was rushed by ambulance, and the Findlays followed, unsure of what lay ahead. Upon arrival, they encountered a full NICU and had to quickly secure a place to stay near the hospital.
Finding a Home Away From Home A nurse suggested Ronald McDonald House—and walking through our doors became a turning point. Exhausted and overwhelmed, the Findlays found a refuge filled with warmth, care, and practical support. Their room was cozy and equipped with thoughtful amenities, including a fridge for breast milk. They never had to worry about meals, and the kindness of staff and volunteers left a lasting impression.
The Power of Small Acts Simple gestures made a big difference. One morning, as Ben and Michelle rushed out early to visit Forrest, our House cook called them back for breakfast, reminding them to take care of themselves. Moments like these, small yet sincere, exemplify the care families experience at Ronald McDonald House.
Support That Matters For families like the Findlays, staying at the House is more than just convenience—it’s critical financial relief. With the low cost of accommodation and meals, they could focus their resources on Forrest’s treatment. Beyond logistics, the House provided peace of mind, comfort, and strength during a deeply challenging time.
“To the families who may one day walk through those same doors: know that you are not alone. You are stepping into a home filled with love, support, and people who truly care.” – Ben, Michelle, and Forrest Findlay
