Whitehorse family thanks 'amazing' Ronald McDonald house

A Whitehorse family wants to thank a charitable organizationwhose new building in Vancouver will likely help hundreds of Yukon parents in coming years.

Bernard and AmandaStehelin's son Marekwas diagnosed with leukaemia last year.During his treatment theyhave been travelling to Vancouver and staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Amanda Stehelin says the house in Vancouver provides a place to stay near the Children's Hospital. The McDonalds restaurant chain funds 14 such houses across Canada.

"Marek was diagnosed with leukemia last April. Since then we have lived there almost full time,"Amanda Stehelin said.

"Westill go down every 28 days for four to five days.For the next two years we are going to be guests at the amazing Ronald McDonald House."

The Vancouverresidenceopened last July and since then 30 Yukon families havestayed there.

The average length of a family's stay is56 nights.

YukonPremierDarrellPasloskiand health minister Mike Nixon met the family today in Whitehorse and provided the Ronald McDonald House foundation with a cheque for $2,500.