Ronald McDonald House Newcastle provided support and sanctuary to the Roper family during the toughest of times.
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Port Macquarie’s Nathan and Alana Roper, and their son Austin, spent nine months living at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle in 2017 during Austin’s intensive treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
“It just kept us all together and close enough to the hospital that we could feel safe,” Alana said.
“It's like a little community with the other families there and they are all going through what you are going through.”
The family returns each month during Austin’s maintenance treatment.
Alana said they also would have been lost without the Ronald McDonald Family Room Newcastle, which provides a haven for families within the hospital.
She praised the team from the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“They supported us through the toughest time of our lives,” she said.
“Sometimes it was even coming home and knowing the house was cooking dinner for you.”
Alana said it was invaluable to come back to a freshly cooked meal after the emotionally draining experience of spending 10 hours at the hospital during Austin’s treatment.
“It is a magical charity,” she said.
Austin, who is almost four, is now on maintenance treatment.
“It’s a battle every day – I’m not going to lie – but we make the most out of life,” Alana said.
“He’s happy, he’s here and we are very lucky.”
Alana encouraged people to support McHappy Day on November 17 which is the largest fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2017 provided more than 300,000 nights of accommodation for more than 9000 families, nearly 30,000 families visited its family rooms and 330 enjoyed the family retreats.
More than 1,300 students were included in the learning program on any given week.
McHappy Day has raised more than $42 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities since 1991 and raised more than $4 million in 2017.
Activities from entertainment to balloon art are planned at the McDonald’s Port Macquarie and highway stores on November 17.
The Bay Street restaurant will have a jungle theme in store and the highway restaurant will have a storybook theme.
Donations can also be made online for McHappy Day.
Ross Bingham, chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW, said McHappy Day was a great community day and he encouraged local residents to get involved.
“This is our biggest fundraising day of the year and truly helps make a difference for sick children and their families in their time of need,” he said.
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