In 2025, following his birth at the Royal Women’s Hospital, little Alexander was having difficulty breathing. What the Royal Children’s Hospital uncovered was a diagnosis no family should hear. Alexander had a significant congenital airway defect.
Following surgery, Alexander showed signs of improvement and the family prepared to return home to Newcastle, leasing their apartment in Melbourne. But just hours before their flight, he deteriorated. The surgical repair had broken down. He was re-admitted to intensive care. His parents were “effectively homeless.”
Unbeknownst to them, the hospital had found them a room. With us, at Ronald McDonald House Victoria & Tasmania. After long days and difficult decisions at the hospital, we gave this family more than a roof over their head. We gave them rest. Warmth. Comfort. A shoulder. Something that felt normal, when nothing else did.
“Having a bed to sleep in and access to pre-prepared meals made a difficult situation much easier.”
After 100 days in intensive care, and four months with Ronald McDonald House, Alexander left the hospital for the first time since his birth, and his family finally took him home to Newcastle. We couldn’t be happier for them.
“From the bottom of our hearts, Annette and I want to thank all the wonderful volunteers and Ronald McDonald House for their support.”