International Siblings Day at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon

April 10th marks International Siblings Day, a day that Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon reflect on the many strong siblings that have stayed with their sick brother or sister at the Vancouver House. In 2025, 1,716 unique families were supported by Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon in 2025 – including 1,026 healthy children alongside their sick sibling. A healthy sibling is not often thought about when it comes to health care, but Ronald McDonald House makes sure they are an important part of the stays.

The Bothma family from Gabriola Island brought their four-month-old son Arend to the Vancouver house in 2022 for a bone marrow transplant needed for a rare blood disorder called CGD (Chronic Granulomatous Disease). Arend’s sister Marita, three years old at the time, was alongside her brother for nine months and went through her own journey. Marita learned how to ride a bike at Ronald McDonald House, learned about medical processes before children are meant to, and was able to find space at the house to just be a kid – many important childhood moments happened at the house for Marita.

“She grew up in Ronald McDonald House. The relationships she created there with other siblings — kids who understand how quickly medical families have to pivot — are just so special,” said Larisa Bothma, Marita and Arend’s mom. “Marita grew up understanding that there are times where we need you to be quiet, or we need you to be independent, which, trust me, is not an easy thing.”

April 10-15 also marks World Music Therapy Week and the music therapy program at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon is one where both healthy and sick siblings can both let loose and express their emotions through music.