Since she was just two and a half years old, Summer has had to travel far from home multiple times a year to attend medical appointments and receive support for her complex medical needs.
Having spent 82 nights with us over the past 10 years, Summer knows our House as her home away from home. It's somewhere she can smile and have fun with the other children after overwhelming appointments, and where Summer and her foster carer, Jo Ann, can rest and recharge together.
"Summer just loves the House. She loves performing and singing, and often puts on performances for the staff, volunteers and other families. Seeing her be herself and be confident while not being at home is incredible. It shows how comfortable and happy she is, and that means I can relax knowing she’s ok.”
“Summer never forgets a face, so when we come back each trip, she loves catching-up with everyone. And it's nice for me too – I get to know the other families and catch-up when we visit.
“It's a real community. The volunteers, staff and families - we're all looking out for each other, and all want to see each other doing well and be ok. I always feel supported and for Summer, she knows she has her friends waiting to see her after every appointment.”
“When we're at the House, Summer is happy...she knows Ronald McDonald House is her safe space. It’s like home.”
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Summer and Jo-Ann, and many other families like them with a sick child, have a place to look forward to – some where they can enjoy more smiles and more laughs together, when it matters most.
