Alex is just like other 12-year-old kids. He loves riding his bike, building Lego, and learning how things work. One day, he dreams of becoming a pilot. “I think it’s because we regularly come to Melbourne on planes”, jokes his mother, Kadek. You’d never know Alex spent the first 25 weeks of his life battling kidney and renal failure, or that he’s been in and out of hospital ever since.
Alex was born with Posterior Urethral Valves, a rare condition where tissue blocks the urethra – causing infections, bladder dysfunction and swelling. His family is from Tasmania, and they’ve been travelling to the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital, staying with us at Ronald McDonald House Parkville, since 2014. “It’s really a blessing”, says Kadek.
“It’s like a big house, and they’re all family. That’s how I feel.”
As Alex underwent endless tests and operations, our House offered his family glimmers of joy and moments of comfort amid unbelievable hardship. They formed relationships with other families, used our amenities, and enjoyed time together at the playground, arcade and vending machine, and at the park across the road. After all these years, they’re still in awe of the support available. “We can bottle food if we need it. We can contact the office if we need help. And if we need to go somewhere, they’ll arrange transportation”, says Kadek. “Sometimes volunteers even come in with baking”.
“Having all this helps us, so we don’t feel alone. It’s really something special.”
In 2026, after 10 months of dialysis treatment, Alex’s family received a “miracle” call. They always knew he’d need a new kidney, and a donor had finally been found. “I was happy and nervous at the same time. We had one day’s notice”, remembers Kadek. They pulled Alex out of school, took time off work, hopped on yet another plane and checked back into Ronald McDonald House. The transplant was successful.
Though Alex’s journey is far from over – he’ll continue needing regular check-ups, and his new kidney will only last 15 to 20 years – his family is full of hope. “After that, we start again”, says Kadek. “His condition is not going to stop him from doing anything.” Everyone here at Ronald McDonald House is so proud of this family’s resilience and optimism, and we’ll continue to serve as their home away from home, as long as they need us.
“We’re so grateful. Big thanks to those who donate and help make this possible.”