Sophia’s story
When little Sophia was born almost ten weeks prematurely, she needed vital care before she was ready to face the world.
Sophia’s parents, April and Michael, received the difficult news that Sophia had fluid on her brain. After initially thinking they would need she would need to be treated in Newcastle or Westmead (a long way from their home town of Gunnedah), they were incredibly relieved to find the care she needed in Tamworth – meaning they were able to be closer to their extended family.
Still an hour from home, and unable to leave the hospital for long periods of time, the family were in desperate need of local accommodation. Thankfully, they were able to secure a room at Ronald McDonald House Tamworth, where they remained for seven weeks while Sophia received treatment.
"We found it so hard to switch off from the stress of Sophia’s treatment. So those moments spent watching the footy with volunteers like Ken, or watching breakfast TV and dreaming about winning the Sunrise Cash Cow with Carol were precious moments of calm."
One highlight during this incredibly difficult time was the day that Michael proposed to April in the House – a first for Ronald McDonald House Charities in Tamworth!!
After finally receiving the all-clear to leave hospital on 1 June 2019 – her original due date – Sophia was discharged with oxygen to their house. And then in the first week of August 2019, they received the wonderful news that she no longer needed the oxygen, and was ready to join the outside world! And in more recent news, the couple is also now expecting their second baby.
When reflecting on the support they received at Ronald McDonald House Tamworth, April said “the team were incredible. Particularly the volunteers, who were always ready for a supportive chat. When you’re going through something like this, sometimes a friendly face and a listening ear can make all the difference.”
You can help keep families like Sophia’s together
Each year Ronald McDonald House Charities NNSW gives over 400 families from the New England Northwest a home away from home so they can be near their seriously ill child in hospital. One of these families was Sophia’s, who spent seven weeks at Ronald McDonald House Tamworth as she received treatment in the Special Care Nursery.
The global health crisis has put further stress on these families of sick kids. Help us help them – place your bids in the online auction, join us for some rocking country music, give generously so they feel our support during this difficult time.
#HatsOffForSickKidsRMHC
