Kirsty knows firsthand the difference that Up All Nighters make to the lives of families facing the unimaginable.
Kirsty and her husband had tried for a baby for many years without success. So, when they found out they were pregnant with their daughter Madi, they were over the moon – it was the highest of highs for them.
In 2016 when Madi was just 4 years old, she was diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia, a rare and incurable neurological disease. The condition combines the most severe aspects of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. It also carries a high risk of cancer and a shortened life expectancy.
Madi fell ill in March 2022 (aged 9) and was flown to Perth immediately where she was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Myeloid Leukaemia.
Living in South Hedland in the Pilbara, there was no specialist medical treatment available to support Madi due to her type of cancer and the risks involved. They were required to stay within an hour of Perth Children’s Hospital, and during her treatment they called Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) their home away from home for over 287 nights.
“Madi fell ill in an instant, so being far from home and away from family or friends, the last thing that even crossed our minds was where we could live.
Without it we would not have survived financially or as a family. RMHC WA allowed us to stay together and get the help Madi needed.” Says Kirsty.
Kirsty describes Madi as a vivacious young girl who is cheeky, extremely friendly and has the kindest of hearts.
Because of her diagnosis, she is wheelchair bound and her motor skills are jolted. Despite the challenges she faces, Madi stays positive and is always front and centre of the BFF Club during her visits. The Learning Centre offers her a place to pursue her passions while being in the company of other kids. No matter the activity, she always gives it her all—nothing can stop her.
Kirsty cannot imagine navigating this path without RMHC WA.
“Being put in a circumstance that you can never prepare for but having a home and all the support that comes with it is something that RMHC WA gave us, and I can never be more thankful for that.
During the hardest and darkest days, whether it be an employee or volunteer, someone was always there to help. It truly is remarkable what they do.” says Kirsty.
Fast-forward to now, the family is based back home in South Hedland but still call RMHC WA their home away from home when they travel to Perth every six weeks for check-ups and treatments.
Earlier this year, Kirsty took on the challenge of walking Up All Night 2024 to raise vital funds for RMHC WA.
But for Kirsty, walking through the night wasn’t about discovering the strength and resilience it takes to care for a sick kid— she lives that reality each and every day. Walking Up All Night was Kirsty’s way of giving back to the very families who need support, just like hers.
Up All Night may seem like just a 42km walk, but it's so much more. It’s the only event of its kind in the country, offering a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of parents like Kirsty, and feel firsthand the physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and the unwavering love that keeps them going.
42km is no small feat, but by becoming an Up All Nighter, you’ll help ensure that no family has to walk this path alone.
