Fifteen-year-old Marwayne resident Delaney Saunders is a cancer survivor who was diagnosed at nine years of age and started her fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHNAC) while undergoing treatment. Saunders spent a great deal of time at the Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton and said it was her wish to give back.
“I was inspired to help after I spent time at the Ronald McDonald House, it was like a second home to me, I also really liked baking, and I thought it would be a good way to give back,” said Saunders.
Delaney Saunders attends the Marwayne Trade show selling her own baking and donating all of the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House (RMHNAC) on December 3. Delaney raised a total of $1200.
At age 15, Saunders bakes hundreds of buns, cookies and cinnamon buns for the Trade Shows and then donates all of the proceeds of the sales to RMHNAC. Delaney surpassed her goal of raising $10,000.00, but still continues to donate her time baking and fundraising for the RMHCAC in Edmonton. The Ronald McDonald House is a place of comfort and compassion for all families with ill and injured children. While the families who stay at RMHCNA come from outside Edmonton, the House also helps families from Edmonton through the Day Pass Program, where families have access to all House programming.
All Ronald McDonald Houses are independently owned and operated non-profit organizations. The Ronald McDonald House is the only facility in Edmonton and the surrounding area that provide temporary and affordable accommodations for families whose children are being treated in one of Edmonton’s medical facilities. “I think what she is doing is amazing after everything she has been through. She has a heart of gold and puts in a lot of time baking for trade shows,” said Delaney’s Grandmother Pat Fox. “After been shown such adversity at such a young age and to turn around and make something so good from it, makes my mom’s heart proud,” said Delaney’s mother, Leasa Saunders.
“I know when people ask her how much she gives and she replies "all of it" they are often shocked. We are extremely thankful to have the community support that we do. Everyone in our town and the widespread surrounding area has supported Delaney and our entire family since the date of her diagnosis, and we are just so proud to call this community home. It is with the help of all her supporters that Delaney can make her goals of fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House come true,” said Leasa Saunders.