Matthew’s Parents: A Letter They Wrote in 2015, and the Event they are Planning in 2026
Matthew was a big fan of Frank Sinatra. When he lived at Emily’s House children’s hospice during his final days, he was always requesting Frank Sinatra music. Many dance parties were held, and everyone would wear a fedora to add to the fun.
His family has continued to be active in supporting Emily’s House, and with a committee are planning a tribute concert and fundraiser for their Matthew at the Stained Glass Centre for the Performing Arts in Stouffville.
With the George Lake Big Band headlining an evening hosted by happily retired CBC Journalist Tom Harrington, this fundraising concert is sure to entertain. Featuring live performances, silent and live auctions, and interactive activities for ticketed guests.
Testimonial – from Matthew’s parents, Marlene and Bruno: “The minute we walked into Emily’s House, I felt a sense of ease. It just felt like home…. For over seven months, Emily’s House provided care for Matthew and a quality of life that he wouldn’t have found elsewhere.”
Emily’s House Letter of Support from Matthew’s Parents (2015)
Emily’s House is very special and unique. It’s a place where parents can leave their children for respite care. Families who leave their children here are given the opportunity to have a break from the heavy burden of caring for a child with complex medical needs, something that is so critically necessary and so misunderstood by those who have never walked and lived in our shoes.
Our son, Matthew, was admitted to Emily’s House for end-of-life care. He was here for 7 1/2 months. I honestly don’t know how our family would have coped had he been in hospital. Staff and volunteers always treated us with kindness and compassion and soon Emily’s House became our second home. We were able to live here with Matthew whenever we wanted to. My husband and I took turns as we also had our 12-year-old sons to care for.
We tried caring for Matthew at home for the little time he had left but soon realized the complexity of his needs was overwhelming, even with 24/7 nursing care. Our house was no longer a home. Emily’s House became our haven, a sanctuary, where we could be parents once again and Matthew’s brothers could be his brothers. When Matthew arrived here, he was received with open and loving arms. His room was decorated with posters of his favourite singers, a Frank Sinatra CD playing in the background. He was a big Sinatra fan!! Matthew was nonverbal but the smile on his face put ALL of us at ease and we felt the weight lifted from our shoulders.
Together with Sick Kids Paediatric Advanced Care Team, my husband and I received guidance and support during this very difficult period of our lives, preparing us for the inevitable, but then, who is ever prepared for the loss of their child? Our other sons also received much needed support, helping them to try and understand not only what was happening to their brother, but to deal with their own emotional upheaval. How fortunate Emily’s House has volunteers who spent time with them, letting them play as 12-year-olds should.
Emily’s House helped us to create wonderful memories while Matthew was alive. Happy family times we’ll always cherish, mostly including extended family and friends … from a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, celebrating Matthew’s birthday, to waking up Christmas morning, our whole family together, presents under our own Christmas tree, and stockings for each of us from Emily’s House. It was our best Christmas ever! We had a Fedora Day party … Easter dinner, memories that would never be possible had Matthew been in a hospital or at home. In the days before our son passed away, Emily’s House provided us the opportunity for family and friends to join us, allowing privacy when needed, and even organized a visit by two members of the Toronto Blue Jays!!
Emily’s House guided us through our journey, letting us have quality time with our son, and a year and a half later, continue to provide us bereavement support.
This is a much-needed facility for families of children with complex medical needs. Emily’s House will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Thank you.
For more information on the Fly Me to the Moon fundraising event: Click Here
For early bird tickets: Click Here
For tickets: Click Here
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