Life was simple for this family from Mildura. Their energetic little boy Landon filled their days with laughter and joyful chaos. During Christmas of 2024, a round of sickness made its way through the extended family. When Landon remained tired and unwell into the new year, his parents Stephanie and Trent assumed he was simply struggling to shake off a stubborn bug.
It wasn’t until late January 2025 that they discovered a hard lump under Landon’s ribs, prompting a visit to their family doctor. When antibiotics failed to help, they headed to urgent care.
Within hours, their world turned upside down.
In February 2025, the family received the devastating news that Landon had a large, likely malignant mass in his liver. The next day, they flew to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, leaving behind their life in Mildura for an uncertain journey ahead. “Our initial reaction is as you would imagine – lots of tears, fear, worry, hopelessness“, remembers Stephanie.
Here, Landon received his official diagnosis: Hepatoblastoma, a malignant liver tumour that had spread to his lungs. What followed was a whirlwind of procedures, tests, and treatments. Within days of arriving in Melbourne, Landon underwent multiple surgeries.
The medical team became an extended family: oncologists, nurses, social workers, therapists, and even Captain Starlight, all working together to support Landon and his family. The next day, Landon’s chemotherapy journey began.
Landon and his family were referred to the Ronald McDonald House in Parkville. While Stephanie remained with Landon in the hospital, Trent and their youngest son Cale stayed at the House, which became their home away from home for many months to come.
“We are so grateful that we can stay here together at Ronald McDonald House. If we had to be separated, it would have made everything so much harder.”
The House provided more than just accommodation – it offered meals when the family was too overwhelmed to cook, early year’s learning support that delighted Landon, and a community of families who understood their journey.
Despite the challenging circumstances, life continued to unfold at the House. The family celebrated Stephanie’s 32nd birthday, Easter, and Cale’s 1st birthday – milestones that meant so much more in their new reality. When Trent could take time off work, they explored Melbourne together, visiting places like the Victoria Markets, Melbourne Zoo, and St Kilda’s beaches.
Throughout this journey, Landon has shown remarkable bravery, even though certain procedures remain difficult for him.
And perhaps most remarkably, Landon has thrived at the House. “Landon has come out of his shell since living here,” Stephanie says. “He has learnt to make friends and does so quickly.”
The Journey Continues
Landon continues to receive chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. His family remains at Ronald McDonald House, so they can manage weekly appointments and the ongoing side effects of treatment.
“Landon refers to the Ronald McDonald House as his ‘holiday house.”
It’s a testament to how this little boy has found light in the darkest of circumstances, and how the Ronald McDonald House becomes a source of comfort, community, and hope for families facing the toughest times.