Our families
Indi's story
In late June 2024, what was meant to be a fun weekend away became the start of a life-altering journey for six-year-old Indi and her family.
Suddenly and severely unwell, Indi was rushed to the emergency department at John Hunter Hospital. Within hours, she was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Over the next year, Indi underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and multiple surgeries; spending nearly 100 nights in hospital. Through it all, her mum Nikki says, “She never complained. Her resilience and positivity are remarkable.”
Hours from their home town, Indi's family were suddenly far from everything familiar; relying on Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW to keep them close and near vital support.
“Our lives were turned upside down after Indi’s diagnosis,” Nikki shares. “The House gave us stability—it became our safe haven during the hardest time of our lives.”
The House provided more than accommodation—it gave them connection, community, and a place to simply be together.
“It turned the worst experience of our lives into something positive. It helped shape my children into the resilient, kind kids they are today.”
The family also accessed the Ronald McDonald Family Room at John Hunter Hospital, and they’re looking forward to a stay at the Family Retreat in Forster—a much-needed chance to rest and recharge.
After spending 270 nights at our House, Indi and her family returned home, undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. Back at school, happy, and thriving—they still talk about their time at the House.
“Without the House, we would have struggled emotionally and financially" - Nikki.
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Meet Adaliyah
Hundreds of kilometres from their home town and away from their loved ones, Charlotte and Tyrone (Adaliyah's dad) relied on our Ronald McDonald House to keep their family together and close by Adaliyah's side.
"Having the support of everyone at the House has been amazing. We've really gotten to know everyone and their journeys. You feel like you're not alone - the other families, volunteers and staff they become your friends and family."
"It really is home away from home; sometimes better than your home."
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Meet Ayla
Desperate to give Ayla the life-saving treatment she needed, the family travelled hours from their home to the John Hunter Children's Hospital; relying on our Ronald McDonald House to keep them together and near vital medical care.
"When Ayla was diagnosed with neuroblastoma we were just heartbroken. How could we face this so far from home? Our family had relocated to Australia from Brazil five years ago, so would we even be able to stay in the country?"
For over a year, Ayla and her family called our House their 'home away from home', celebrating medical milestones, birthdays and annual holidays together with the other families, volunteers and staff they became close with.
"We have no family here in Australia, so being surrounded by the caring community at the House have been invaluable. It feels like family. Everyone is with us on the good days and the bad days, they cried with us and laughed with us - we're just so grateful."
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