For families like Ava's, this feeling of stress and anxiety that we're all experiencing right now is not new. They have been in a crisis for days, months and for some, even years.
At just four years old, Ava was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. Her family's world was immediately turned upside-down. Ronald McDonald House Charities GWS was able to support Ava and her family by providing them with a home-away from home for 280 nights whilst she received critical treatment.
"Ronald McDonald House Charities helped us not only survive but thrive during the hardest time in our lives" Ava's Dad, Andrew
It is imperative that we continue to raise funds to support families like Ava's. These families have no choice but to be close to the hospital to receive vital care for their sick children.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, our highest priority is ensuring the safety of our families, volunteers and staff and to do whatever it takes to protect the House environment. We have commenced our response plan, in line with Federal and State health advice and the rigorous health and safety protocols of Ronald McDonald House Charities worldwide.
We have also had to suspend all fundraising events and activities we had planned. This has had an enormous impact on the charity and will continue to do so for months to come. That's why we need your support, now more than ever.
This global crisis is having an impact on us all. But for families with a sick child, it has added another stress and will continue to impact them. Limiting visitors means we are no longer able to continue our dinner program. And there are no longer volunteers happy faces around, ready with a cuppa, for a chat. Making an extremely difficult time even more challenging.
It is understood that the response in place is neccessary to ensure the saftey of all families, volunteers and staff. It is extremely hard for a family with a seriously ill child never the less. Please, show our families we are still here, supporting them, however far away.
We are all in this together. Take care.
Join us in showing seriously ill children and families that we are here for them. Supporting them, now more than ever.
"Isolation, fear and uncertainty are new to many, but not to a family with a seriously ill child.
If you're able, please help Ronald McDonald House continue to support these families - as the toughest time of their lives gets even tougher"
- Ava's mum, Kath from Forbes NSW
Support a sick child like Ava today
Ava and her family stayed at Ronald McDonald House for 280 nights while Ava received life-saving cancer treatment.
On average, it costs Ronald McDonald House Charities GWS $160 to support a family for one night. Let's raise 280 nights of accomodation to ensure the next seriously ill child like Ava, has a home-away-from-home,
Watch the video below to see why your support of Ronald McDonald House Charities is so important.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Greater Western Sydney
Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney gives seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families.
Our House is a warm and supportive home-away-from-home for families of children who need to travel to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for treatment. We create a safe and welcoming environment where families can stay connected, and parents can communicate more easily with their child's medical team.
In 2019, the Ronald McDonald House Westmead supported over 2100 families with a seriously ill child, allowing parents and carers to focus on the health of their child when they need it most.
