If you’re a seasoned Up All Night participant, you may remember the Allen family.
From Kununurra in the Kimberly region, the Allen family called Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) their home away from home for over 200 nights from 2019 to 2020.
Their journey first began when their daughter Georgie was born premature and shortly after was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia, which meant she had difficulty breathing and feeding.
Then at just 6 months old, Georgie became very unwell and was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) for treatment, alongside Leah (Mum), Nick (Dad), and their two young daughters Eliza and Maya.
This was the start of a lengthy stay in Perth for the Allen family, far from their home and loved ones.
During this time, Georgie underwent a series of treatments and further surgeries and was eventually diagnosed with Noonan’s Syndrome.
Nick would fly between Kununurra and Perth for work to ensure the family stayed financially afloat. Meanwhile, the staff and volunteers wrapped around Eliza and Maya when Leah’s attention had to be on Georgie.
But without access to RMHC WA, Leah would have had to stay in Perth with Georgie while her husband and two daughters remained over 3000kms away in Kununurra.
I will never forget the care, kindness and unwavering support that RMHC WA has provided for my family, says Leah.
They gave us a home so we could be together and remain a family.
So, where is the Allen family now?
5-year-old Georgie is doing remarkably well and is described by Leah as a “happy, healthy and sassy little girl”.
Despite being back home in Kununurra, the family’s connection to RMHC WA remains strong.
Given the nature of Georgie’s condition, they are required to travel to Perth on occasion for hospital visits and when they do, they stay with RMHC WA; their home away from home.
For families with sick kids, the path is often lengthy and unpredictable, and the journey doesn’t necessarily end when they return home.
That’s why RMHC WA is committed to being there for families for as long or as often as they need it, and it wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Register now for Up All Night 2025 or donate to ensure RMHC WA can continue to support families like the Allen’s.
