Ronald McDonald House Charities^® Southwestern Ontario About Us

Friendship in Bloom

Two journeys, an unbreakable bond

_{After their first conversation, they discovered they had a lot more in common than just their hometown; their younger brothers are friends and Sophie’s dad coached Meg’s brother in baseball.}

Sophie’s two-year old son, Zack, is receiving treatment for B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Meg’s four-month-old daughter, Harper, is in the NICU after being born three months early with Listeria meningitis and a bilateral intracerebral hemorrhage. A terrifying experience for Meg, she felt it was easier to manage after meeting Sophie.

“This friendship has been life-saving–it gets lonely, very isolating, tiring. Although we have two different journeys, we can share feelings without sugarcoating it. I can be vulnerable.”

Last month, Harper moved to the pediatric floor and is getting stronger every day. Sophie and Zack have been living at the House since January while he undergoes treatment and hope to return to the Sault in July.

The two met almost 700 kilometers away from their hometown of Sault Ste. Marie

“Having such an amazing person like Sophie in my corner so far from home feels like coming up for fresh air.”

Even their children have become fast friends. Zack, and Meg’s older daughter, Gia, enjoy spending time outside in the RMH courtyard, doodling with sidewalk chalk and chasing each other down the slide.

Staying connected, wherever and whenever that may be

Sophie is turning 30 this year and wants to celebrate with her closest friends.

“The plan was we may take a trip to a beach somewhere, and I’ve invited her (Meg). It’s like when people say love at first sight–it was like friendship at first sight.”

Although it took 30 years for the ladies to meet, their unwavering support, mutual respect and acceptance will keep them connected for much longer.

“Sophie is always there for me and accepts me at my best and my worst without question. She’s a true, genuine friend.”

“It was so instant. It didn’t even have an awkward phase,” chuckled Sophie. “It was like we’ve known each other for years…the friendship helps to feel more like home. We relate to the history of the same city, landmarks, restaurants, the people.”