Our families
Indi's story
In late June 2024, what was meant to be a fun weekend watching the Newcastle Knights turned into the start of a life-altering journey for 9-year-old Indi and her family.
Suddenly and severely unwell, Indi was rushed to the emergency department at John Hunter Hospital. She was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
Over the next year, Indi would undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, multiple surgeries and procedures, and nearly 100 nights in hospital. Through it all, her mum Nikki says, “She never complained. Her resilience and positivity are remarkable.”
With their home in Grafton over six hours away, Nikki and her two children, Indi and her younger brother Levi, were suddenly far from everything familiar. That’s when Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW stepped in.
“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.”
Each night, after long days at the hospital, the family returned to a warm bed, a home-cooked meal, and a welcoming community. The House provided more than accommodation—it gave them connection, coimmunity, and a place to simply be together.
From playroom adventures and new friendships to surprise visits from the Newcastle Knights, the House became a place of joy during a difficult chapter.
“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.
Indi is now back home in Grafton and undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. She has one more year of treatment but can continue care locally. Both kids are back at school, happy, and thriving—and 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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