SOMETHING TO COME HOME TO

Each year, 2000 families from across British Columbia come to Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon so they can be with their seriously ill child when they need them the most. Savan Fry was one of those kids and he came back to the house to relive those days and share his story.

“It’s a hard thing to explain to people, how you can see something so positive out of such a traumatic experience, but I really like who he’s become.” - Juliana Fry

Savan Fry is not the same person he was before his journey with cancer and his mom, Juliana, knows better than anyone that his transformation would not have been the same if it weren’t for Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon. At age 16, Savan started to notice that his body was feeling different; activities that were once easy for him became more difficult, joint pain, headaches, he grew tired quickly. He also started to drink 12 litres of fluids a day. But it wasn’t until an eye exam that the optometrist noticed a tumour pressing against his optic nerve. It turned out Savan had three brain tumours and he was subsequently diagnosed with Bifocal Germinoma. This would be the beginning of his time at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon while he endured biopsies, spinal taps,kidney transfusions, 4 months of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment.

It was because of RMHBC that Savan was able to successfully complete his cancer treatments in a space that allowed him to heal while with his loved ones when he needed them most. But like so many others that we have talked to in our work with RMHBC, it’s more than the bricks and mortar that make the house so special. For Savan, it gave him the safety, security, and support to grow into the person he is today both physically and emotionally.

“You develop an appreciation for the fragility of life. It’s [RMHBC] helping people start a new life. You’re developing a new personality.”

- Savan Fry

There can never be enough thanks for RMHBC and all the staff, volunteers, and families that make life that much easier for all those that need something to come home to.

Production Company: Rich&Jay

Directed by Rich Murray

Cinematography by Michel Müller

1st AC: Hugo Lim

Gaffer: Justin Uitto

Key Grip: Ollie Wynden

Swing: Cody Preston

Editor: Michel Müller

Audio House: Flip78

Special Thanks: Savan, Juliana, Sabryn, Gabrielle Fry and everyone at RMHBC for allowing us to create this story with you.