Our Families
With your support, we help families find strength and hope
With your support, we help families find strength and hope
When Joelene was 20 weeks pregnant with her first son Dallas, he was diagnosed with multiple heart conditions (hypoplastic right heart syndrome, ventricle hypoplasia, tricuspid artesian, ventricular septal defect [VSD], dysplastic mitral valve, and transposition of the great arteries [TGA]).
His family have stayed over 400 nights so far, while Dallas endures multiple surgeries.
“This House means everything to us. Not only is it Dallas’s first home but it’s a safe place for all of us to be close to Dallas during his time in hospital. Ronald McDonald House is a loving and caring community, where other families here have also become a part of our family.” – Joelene
Kobi was only a few months shy of turning two when his parents Felicity and Renee first noticed one of his eyes was bloodshot.
Acting on their concerns, they took him to the doctor, who urgently referred Kobi to an opthalmologist. Kobi had cancer of the eye and his retina had completely detached. His eye would need to be removed. Along with baby brother Charlie, the family stayed with us for 170 nights while Kobi had life-saving surgery and chemotherapy.
“Staying at Ronald McDonald House has been a huge relief for us. It’s not just accommodation though; it is home-cooked meals, toys, books, and climbing equipment for the kids” – Felicity
Selina’s family stayed with us for 79 nights earlier this year, when one of her twin baby boys, Zavier was born with neurological complications.
Selina shares, “We were travelling back and forth from Bathurst visiting our baby boy Zavier, who is a twin. Bringing his siblings down each time was a hassle.
Being able to stay at the House meant a lot as we felt like we didn’t leave home.“
Eliza was only four when she was diagnosed with leukemia. For 224 nights, her family called our House home while she received hospital treatment, far from her Bathurst home.
Her Mum Lisa wrote a thank you card that said, “You all have seen us at our lowest and highest parts of Eliza’s treatment. Thank you for being the place we have called home. We will miss you all. We will forever be grateful.”
Ollie was only six when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. For the next 500 nights, our House was his family’s home, while they were far from their own.
In late November 2023, Matilda was flown from Wagga to Westmead with a specialist on board and soon after diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma.
“Since we’ve arrived in Westmead, the House has gone above and beyond. Our home is over 400km from Sydney, so to have the security of a home whilst our daughter receives treatment is incredible. We are so grateful for this incredible charity, both financially and emotionally.” – Kate, Matilda’s Mum
Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. With your help, we can support them throughout their journey.