DeAnna and her daughter Brandi know what it means to travel far for care. They live in Dawson Creek, where medical resources are limited and specialist appointments often mean a long journey south. For years, Brandi’s complex health needs have brought them to Vancouver to see eye doctors, neurologists, and other specialists at BC Children’s Hospital. When Brandi was younger, those trips often included stays at Ronald McDonald House. Now that Brandi is 19, she no longer qualifies to stay there, making the need for a welcoming, accessible place to stay even more important.
Since January 2024, that place has been Easter Seals House. Brandi lives in a home share just a couple of blocks from her mom, and together they continue to make regular trips for care. They usually stay for about a week at a time, carefully organizing multiple medical appointments during each visit. After four stays, Easter Seals House has become their go-to accommodation, a place they return to with a sense of familiarity and relief.
What stands out most is how calming and easy their stays feel. The location is within walking distance of hospitals, specialist clinics, and the grocery store, which makes daily routines manageable. One of their favourite rituals is grocery shopping as soon as they arrive, followed by cooking comfort foods together. Having access to a full kitchen with an oven allows them to make pizza and other familiar meals, bringing a sense of home into an otherwise demanding time. As DeAnna shares, “The staff are always good at what they do and very kind.” The amenity lounges offer space to relax and connect with other guests, and the dog-friendly first floor brings extra joy as they meet visiting pets and think of the furry friends they miss back home.
Even with the long journey, sometimes a 16-hour drive in warmer months or winter flights supported by Hope Air, DeAnna and Brandi find ways to create positive memories. During one recent stay, they explored accessible activities in the city, including Fan Expo and a bunny café. These moments of fun help balance the intensity of medical appointments and give Brandi something to look forward to between visits.
Easter Seals House is more than a place to stay. It is a source of comfort, stability, and dignity for families who must travel far for medical care when other options are no longer available. Your support makes stories like DeAnna and Brandi’s possible.
