Gussy's Journey

In January 2023, my youngest, Angus, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) having been originally misdiagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in June 2022. 

We spent around 100 nights in Perth Children's hospital in 2023. 

With a bit of luck, Gussy will finish his formal fortnightly ALL treatment as an out-patient in June 2025.

For the first 3 months in particular, there was a lot of sitting around in PCH. Kids Oncology wards are the most juxtaposed environments imaginable – extremes of absolute desperation and devastation contrasted by profound inspiration, watching unbelievable little humans endure the worst of horrors, yet finding joy in the simplest of things.

We were fortunate to live locally to the hospital but met many families from remote and regional locations, many of whom were only able to stay on site thanks to the remarkable work of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Whilst not accessing the housing that they provide, we have routinely used the RMCH Family Room at PCH and benefited enormously from interacting with the friendly, non-intrusive volunteers to enjoy a few stolen moments of calm amidst the chaos.

 Angus also benefited from study assistance to help keep his education on track while in hospital and RMCH proactively interacted with his school teachers through their EdMed program. 

Once Angus is allowed to be more than an hour away from PCH, we will also be able to access one of their family retreats (Bunbury, Busselton & Mandurah).

I'm staying Up All Night for WA families with sick kids

This March, I’m taking part in Up All Night, walking 42 km across Perth to help provide a home away from home and services that support the well-being of WA families with sick kids.

For families with sick kids needing to travel far from home to access specialist medical care, sleepless nights are sadly just part of the deal.
By walking a night in their shoes, I can help these families at a time when they need it most.

The funds I raise can help provide accommodation, support and stability for families with sick kids who just want to spend loving time together during the hardest time of their lives.

Could you give a generous donation to help Ronald McDonald House Charities WA continue to provide support to families with sick kids, 24/7 365 days a year?

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of WA families with sick kids through your kindness!