It has been 216 days since Ruby Davidson was diagnosed with cancer.

Her mom, Terri, has been keeping track of it on her smartphone. ItB次元官网网址檚 not a happy tracker by any stretch, but the duo are too positive to let it get them down.

Davidson, 17, was diagnosed with bone cancer after she broke her left arm and needed an X-ray. Doctors found the tumour and removed it through surgery. They also replaced the bone from DavidsonB次元官网网址檚 shoulder to her elbow.

She started her first day of chemotherapy treatment on Nov. 2 and stayed at B.C. ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Hospital in Vancouver for six weeks. Since mid-December she has been on a schedule of two weeks at home in the West Shore and then three weeks in Vancouver for treatment. When she is in Vancouver she stays at the Ronald McDonald House.

On Wednesday, community members gathered at various McDonaldB次元官网网址檚 locations across the country, including on the West Shore, to help serve patrons as part of the annual McHappy Day. Proceeds from the dayB次元官网网址檚 sales go towards Ronald McDonald House. Owners at eight other McDonaldB次元官网网址檚 in Greater Victoria will also donate some of the proceeds to Jeneece Place at Victoria General Hospital.

Davidson, a former Royal Bay student, said many of her friends she had before she was diagnosed with cancer have stopped talking to her, which is difficult, but Ronald McDonald House has been a light during her journey.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e made so many friends through this entire thing,B次元官网网址� Davidson said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e met so many great people by staying at the house alone and the staff is incredible.B次元官网网址�

Terri said they will bump into families they have met through Ronald McDonald House while getting routine check-ups in Victoria, and while they didnB次元官网网址檛 meet under the best circumstances, they have met wonderful people they wouldnB次元官网网址檛 have otherwise met.

Terri said her coworkers and family have been very supportive since DavidsonB次元官网网址檚 diagnosis, but they have been spending a lot of time at the hospital getting treatment so itB次元官网网址檚 nice to have a support system at Ronald McDonald House too.

B次元官网网址淲e need places like Ronald McDonald House and the community that comes together with themB次元官网网址� Terri said. B次元官网网址淲e are so thankful for programs like this.B次元官网网址�

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lindsey.horsting@goldstreamgazette.com