Kriszella Canonigo is raising three remarkable children.

Kursten, Kurtis, and Keithan are close in the way families become when they have to rely on each other for everything. They support one another, look out for each other, and, even in the hardest moments, find ways to laugh together.

“They are my rock,” Kriszella says. “They give me strength. They are the reason why I am still going.”

Their home is in Barrie, Ontario where extended family continues to support them. Kriszella’s sister and niece are staying in their home, and her mother has been a constant source of care and stability. “Their love, guidance, and support have been my anchor through this difficult time,” she says.

But much of their life right now is not at home. It is here at Ronald McDonald House Toronto.

When Everything Changed
Kursten is the kind of child who leaves an impression.

She loves soccer and jiu-jitsu. She can be quiet at first, especially when she’s tired, but once she opens up, she is energetic, determined, and deeply caring.

That never changed — even when everything else did.

What began as a stomachache quickly became something more serious. The family visited the emergency room four times before Kursten was transferred to SickKids. By then, the pain had become overwhelming. “Even standing or moving around was nearly impossible,” Kriszella says.

The diagnosis was Ewing Sarcoma.

In an instant, the child who had been running, playing, and living a full, active life became dependent on others for almost everything. And yet, even as treatment began — through pain, weight loss, and the loss of her hair — Kursten remained focused on others.

“She’s always asking if everyone else is okay,” Kriszella says. “Even when she’s unwell, she’s looking out for her brothers.”

Holding Everything Together
Day to day, life is a careful balance. Hospital visits. Treatments. Therapy. School. And alongside all of that, the needs of three children.

Kurtis is high-functioning autistic. Keithan is on the autism spectrum too and is in speech therapy. Each child needs attention, routine, and care in their own way.

“I’m a single mom,” Kriszella says. “Staying together helps me support all of them and make sure no one feels left out.” Without that ability, everything becomes harder.

In the early weeks of Kursten’s hospitalization, the family was separated. Kriszella’s mom offered space in her apartment, but it wasn’t enough room for everyone, and it made it difficult for the children to continue school and maintain any sense of normal life.

“Being apart from each other was heartbreaking,” she says.

A Place to Stay Together
They learned about Ronald McDonald House Toronto through a social worker at SickKids. At the time, Kriszella didn’t have the capacity to think much beyond the immediate need. She registered simply because they needed somewhere to stay.

“When we arrived, I was amazed,” she says. “The staff and volunteers were so kind. I knew right away this would be a safe and supportive place for us.”

That sense of safety mattered immediately. Without the House, the reality would have been very different. “My kids would have been separated from school, from each other, and from me,” she says. “Here, we can stay together. We feel safe, supported, and included.”

What It Means to Stay
Being together has become the foundation of everything. “It’s everything for us,” Kriszella says. “It gives my kids happiness and strength, and it gives me hope and courage.”

It also allows her to show up for each of her children in the ways they need. To be present for Kursten’s treatment. To support Kurtis. To stay engaged in Keithan’s care. All at the same time.

Inside the House, they have also found a community. “I’ve met other families who really understand what we’re going through,” she says. “You don’t have to explain yourself. They accept and welcome you.”

That sense of understanding makes a difficult experience feel a little less isolating.

The Small Things That Matter
Over time, it is often the small, practical supports that make the biggest difference. Meals are one of them.

“The meals are amazing,” Kriszella says. “After long hospital days, it’s such a relief not to worry about cooking.”

For a single parent managing multiple children and a complex medical journey, that kind of support matters deeply. “It saves time, energy, and money,” she says. “It’s a huge blessing.”

Programs at the House have also played an important role. The on-site school has allowed her children to continue learning. The clubhouse, arts and crafts, and outings have given them space to play, connect, and feel like kids.

One moment stands out. “They were decorating tote bags with their friends here,” she says. “Seeing them make friends who understand their situation and accept them made my heart so happy.”

In the middle of everything, those moments of connection and normalcy matter.

What This Makes Possible
Today, Kriszella and her children continue to navigate treatment and uncertainty.

There are still difficult days. There is still a long road ahead. But they are facing it together. And that has made all the difference. “I wish I had known sooner how much Ronald McDonald House can do to help families,” she says. “You’ll find strength, hope, and comfort here, even in the hardest times.”

Kursten rests, but her spirit remains strong. Kurtis and Keithan stay close, learning, growing, and supporting their sister in their own ways. And at the centre of it all is a mother doing everything she can to hold her family together.

Because when a child is in the hospital, family stays.
And because of you, they can.