HAGERSVILLE—Before baby Magdalena could even open her eyes, her family was already fighting for a sense of normalcy. Ronald McDonald House gave them more than a place to stay – it gave them back their togetherness.
Elise and Peter Michalski of Hagersville never expected to welcome their second daughter 15 weeks early. But on a Saturday night, Elise went into sudden labour at just 25 weeks. Magdalena was born by emergency C-section at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, and within hours, transferred to McMaster Children’s Hospital for intensive neonatal care.
“I didn’t really have a lot of time to prepare,” said Elise. “We were just scared and anxious. We had no idea what would happen.”
HAGERSVILLE—The Michalski family of Hagersville spent 137 days in Ronald McDonald House as their youngest daughter, Magdalena, was born several weeks early and required an extensive stay in the NICU.. Magdalena cuddles with mom Elise, now happy to be back home in Hagersville. The family hopes to repay the charity by spreading the word of its good work, and the upcoming McHappy Day fundraiser. —Submitted photos. 
HAGERSVILLE—The Michalski family of Hagersville spent 137 days in Ronald McDonald House as their youngest daughter, Magdalena, was born several weeks early and required an extensive stay in the NICU. Above left, Zosia plays in an RMHC playroom. —Submitted photos.
The first hours were chaotic – packing bags, waking their toddler Zosia, and rushing to the hospital.
Elise stayed at St. Joseph’s to recover from surgery while Peter followed the transport team to McMaster, where he spent the first 24 hours at Magdalena’s bedside, running on adrenaline and uncertainty.
By Sunday afternoon, the family received a referral to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) South Central Ontario (RMHC SCO), located directly across from the hospital. A room was ready. Peter checked in that evening.
The family began what would become a 137-night stay during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
“It was such a relief,” said Elise on the support of RMHC. “We didn’t know how long Magdalena would be in the NICU, but we knew we had a place to stay, all together.”
Each year, RMHC supports families with children receiving medical treatment by providing accommodations, meals, laundry, playrooms, and emotional support services.
RMHC SCO alone serves over 1,000 families annually, offering 40 rooms at Hamilton House and family rooms at McMaster and St. Catharines hospitals.
On Thursday, May 8, Canadians can support that mission by participating in McHappy Day. A portion of all food and beverage sales at McDonald’s restaurants will go to RMHC and other local children’s charities.
For RMHC SCO, the event provides about 30% of its annual budget.
“McHappy Day is our biggest day of the year,” said Mario DeDivitiis, CEO of RMHC SCO. “It helps us raise essential funds but also brings awareness to the families who are walking through some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
The Michalskis were one such family. When Magdalena was born, Zosia was just 18 months old. Being at RMHC meant the toddler didn’t have to be shuffled between caregivers or environments – she had routine, stability, and her parents with her every day.
“We had breakfast together, lunch in the same spot every day, and dinner as a family,” said Elise. “That routine meant so much.”
RMHC staff helped the family relocate to a room that better accommodated Zosia’s sleep needs. Peter, who works remotely, was given an office space at the house so he could continue working while remaining close to his family. Friends in Hamilton cared for Zosia during the day so Elise could spend time in the NICU with Magdalena.
A typical day began with breakfast, followed by toddler playtime and hospital visits. Elise participated in daily rounds with Magdalena’s care team, held her daughter for crucial bonding time, and returned each evening to bathe and feed her.
Each meal and moment was carefully coordinated so that neither daughter felt forgotten.
“I never missed putting either of my daughters to bed,” said Elise. “That is the biggest gift for me as a parent.”
The house also became a place of connection. Volunteers and staff left a lasting impression, including one volunteer named Cindy, who bonded with Zosia over breakfast. Over time, staff and families became a support system, sharing meals, stories, and encouragement.
“They were all just really, really wonderful,” said Elise. “It was actually sad to leave because the people had become such a big part of our lives.”
Even after returning home, the family’s connection to RMHC continues. As Magdalena was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, she now has frequent hospital appointments and Elise regularly uses the RMHC family rooms at McMaster.
“That’s where I warm up bottles and give Zosia snacks,” she said. “We still rely on those supports.”
While the charity charges families a nominal fee of $12 per night, no one is turned away for inability to pay.
“If they can’t afford it, we don’t make them,” said DeDivitiis. “We receive no government funding, so the rest of our operating budget – about 70% – we raise through donations.”
Funds from this year’s McHappy Day will support essential operations, including room renovations and an expansion of children’s play spaces. RMHC SCO recently opened a new family room in St. Catharines and is planning additional upgrades at its Hamilton location.
For the Michalskis, the experience shaped their family and their outlook.
Elise now actively participates in fundraising and tries to return to the house with her daughters every few months to visit the volunteers and staff who made such a difference.
“I tell everyone: Zosia thrived there,” she said. “It wasn’t just about having a roof over our heads. It was about being together. About having support. And about giving both of our daughters what they needed during a really difficult time.”
She encourages others to consider the importance of McHappy Day, not only as a fundraiser but as a show of solidarity for families facing the unimaginable.
“It allows parents to stay close. It gives children better outcomes. And it gives families hope,” said Elise.
“It made our NICU journey survivable. And we’ll never forget that.”
