Summer is no stranger to the hospital – having complex medical needs, she has had to travel far from home for medical care multiple times a year since she was just two and a half years old.    

Just because she makes the trip regularly doesn’t mean it gets any easier. 

“No matter how long of a trip or how stressful her appointments are, Summer knows Ronald McDonald House is her safe space.  

“It’s where she is at peace and can be settled, during what is often a stressful time. She knows the volunteers who greet her at the door, and the other families staying at the House. She knows the staff and she can keep her independence because she knows where she is.  

“It’s like home.”  - Jo-Ann, Summer’s foster carer 

Already this year, Summer and her foster carer, Jo-Ann, have made the more than five-hour trip  three times for Summer’s medical appointments – soon to be four. 

Having spent 82 nights with us in the last ten years, our House has been a home away from home for Summer; and for Jo-Ann, a shoulder to lean on.  

“I know that whatever has happened at the hospital, or no matter how challenging the trip to Newcastle has been, everyone at the House will be there for us, and for me.  

“The staff and volunteers are incredible - they do everything they can to support Summer and me. Even when we are at the hospital for appointments, it feels like they are all with you in spirit. 

“I just wish it was a possibility for every family who needs it.” 

With your help, it could be. 

You can give seriouly ill or injured children, like Summer, a place to look forward too when times are tough.

For more than 30 years, we've been keeping families with a sick child together when they need it most. And with you by our side, we'll continue to be there for families for years to come.

Whether it be...

	providing a home away from home at our Newcastle and Tamworth Houses
	a refuge from the hospital ward at our John Hunter Children's and Gosford Hospitals Family Rooms
	helping school-aged sick kids catch-up on missed education with our Learning Program
	or offering families an opportunity to take a break at our Forster Family Retreat

...with your help, we're making sure thousands of seriously ill or injured children and their families across Northern NSW stay together.

Your generous donation today could help make a big difference for families with a sick child.

• • $20 can help families sit down together and enjoy a home-cooked meal
  • $60 can provide linen for a clean and safe place for families to sleep for 2 weeks
  • $135 can provide a night’s accommodation so familes can be together close to the hospital and their sick child

Your donation will keep families together and closer to the care their child needs.

You can help bring more smiles, more hope and more care to families with a seriously ill or injuried child by donating today.

Thank you you for being there for families in need.

Warmest regards