In August 2023, Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane became our home-away-from-home during some of the toughest months of our lives.
At not even two years old, our son Fletcher was showing signs of irritability, shaky eyes and loss of mobility. The doctors in Townsville soon diagnosed him with Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (OMAS) – a rare autoimmune disorder of the nervous system. OMAS presented in children under five is most common when a neuroblastoma is present and an MRI of his brain and spine soon revealed a tumour on his kidney.
We were immediately flown down to Brisbane by the
Royal Flying Doctors Service the next day, where we were introduced to Ronald McDonald
House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ). Throughout our stay, Fletcher
underwent four months of chemotherapy, immunosuppressant therapy to assist with
the OMAS and surgery to remove the tumour on his kidney.
The support we received during our stay at RMHC SEQ is something we will always
be grateful for. The staff and volunteers were welcoming and accommodating from
the beginning; whether it was providing a room, a home cooked meal or emotional
support - no matter what they always went above and beyond.
In a time where you’re stressed, overwhelmed and control has been taken away
from you – it was nice to come back to a safe space surrounded by such positive
and helpful people. The support and opportunity to meet other families provided
comfort and alleviated the stress and feeling of isolation.
Although we are home, our journey is far from over. Fletcher has since had a regression with the OMAS where he has uncontrollable episodes of irritability, inconsolable rage and loss of mobility. This has taken a mental toll on our family, and we will need to go between Townsville and Brisbane for treatment in the foreseeable future.
As business owners, we've always had to work for what we want. It's been such a foreign feeling having so many organisations and people reach out to support us, but it's driven us a lot to give back.
To show our appreciation, we need your help to fundraise for this amazing organisation. The money raised will go between RMHC North Australia and RMHC South East Queensland and their mission to support more families like ours.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$211
Ena Daniell
$211
Coral Coast Electrical & Airconditioning
$211
Nas Diesel Solutions Pty Ltd
$201
Mark & Melissa Hudson
You have all been in our thoughts! Love to you All 💙
$200
Don West Toyota
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
$168.80
Michael & Kirstie Lequerica
$168.80
Adam & Randall Perakovic
$105.50
Laurely Leblowitz
All the best, Chester from lollie
$105.50
Mark & Kelly Delle Baite
$105.50
Julie Pavone
Praying for our little buddy Fletcher. 🙏
$105.50
A Clive
Great Charity!! Good luck with your fund raising
$105.50
St Francis Staff
$105.50
Des, Amanda And Dakota
$105.50
Jess
❤️
$105.50
Gayle Vecchio
💙
$105.50
Rory Galvin & Family
$105.50
Russell & Susie Jordan
$105.50
Adam & Nicola Le Blowitz
❤️
$105.50
Ian & Patricia Haigh
Thinking of you all❤️
$105
Paula Licciardello
$100
Megan Newman
Thank you Ronald McDonald House for supporting this beautiful family
$100
Bhree Caspanello
$58.02
Chris & Kathy Higgs
Hoping for bright days ahead
$58.02
Burdekin Swim School
Here's to bright stars at night and sunshine in the daytime xx
$58.02
Shannon Watson
Wishing your little man all the best!! Such an amazing organisation! Ronald McDonald was amazing to us for months in TSV when I was pregnant with Hayde, we couldn’t have done it without them!
$58.02
Allan And Katie Braden
$58.02
Mrs Stephanie Ryder
$58.02
Rodney And Krystal Roveglia
💙
$58.02
Chiara Oar
So lucky to have such a special place in a time of need. RMHC is such a special place xx
$58.02
Teena And Brett Butler
RMH are a godsend through such difficult times for families. Hope all goes well Ashton, you have a beautiful community supporting your family.
$58.02
Karen & Laurence Quagliata
$58.02
Kristine And Troy Patti
$56
Kovi Wilson
Big love to you guys! We’re always here 💙 Great idea to do some fundraising! We owe a lot to Ronald McDonald House SEQ & Herston as well for their help through Jonah’s diagnosis. Forever grateful x
$26.38
Kirstie Washbourne
Such a lovely idea, always thinking of you all and hope every bit counts to help out 🫶🏼
$26.38
Carly Caspanello
$26.38
Anonymous
$26.38
Shirley Nuss
Happy Birthday Fletcher. Trust you are well enough to enjoy your special day. Luv Aunty Shirley and Uncle Trevor xxx
$26.38
Robyn Brock
My heart goes out to you Ashton. Hope all goes well for your darling boy. Yes, Ronald MacDonald is an amazing place.
$26.38
Jodie Allen
Thinking of you and your family
$26.38
Sharesse Frau
$26.38
Joelene Byrne
Ashton you are such a beautiful woman and strong Mum, and know that you’re beautiful family are in our prayers.
$26.38
Loretta Bowen
$26.38
Kristy Raitelli
People don’t realise just how wonderful Ronald MacDonald House is when you absolutely need it the most. So many Burdekin Families have found comfort at Ronnie’s and unfortunately many more will need them in the future. Hoping and praying for brighter days ahead for your family Ashton.
$26.38
Raylea Thomas
$26.25
Charmaine Jacob
❤️
$26.13
Sheree Heatley
❤️ ❤️
