Frankie’s Story
Amanda and Ben had been married only a couple of months when their 3-year-old son Frankie received his cancer diagnosis. On the cusp of purchasing their first home and Frankie beginning preschool, 2019 was not the year they were expecting.
During the first week of Frankie’s treatment, Ben drove back and forth between the hospital in Newcastle and their home on the Central Coast every day.
“Initially we thought we could do the trip each day, I don’t think we realised how intense Frankie’s treatment was going to be. We gratefully moved into Ronald McDonald House soon after,” said Amanda.
Ben’s mother, Julie, was also able to stay with the family and help with their younger child Leo. They had all the comforts of home in the unit, even bringing their toys and pillows.
“We couldn’t have the whole family at the hospital, so it was great to have the unit where we could all be together. It was our own quiet place in all of the chaos.”
The support from staff and volunteers at the House made each day that bit easier, from having a home cooked meal provided through Meals From the Heart, to a visit from the Easter Bunny come so the kids didn’t miss out on anything.
“The meals cooked each week for the families won’t be forgotten. Cafeteria and hospital food get old fast, and a home cooked meal was just what we needed some nights.”
We have so many happy memories from that tumultuous time, thanks to Ronnie Mac’s. It’s not until you are in this that you realise how important the charity is for so many families just like ours,” said Amanda.
After 260 nights calling Ronald McDonald House ‘home’, the family are now back on the Central Coast. Frankie is thriving and Amanda and Ben recently welcomed their third son, Mars, to the family.
Ronald McDonald House Charities are 100% community owned and operated, so your assistance is vital in providing sick children and their families the support they need.
We invite you to join our first ever Raise Love-a-thon and help us provide a home away from home for families in need.