“Raised on a remote NSW cotton station, Ryder, 8, was diagnosed with leukaemia – but life-saving treatment was nine-and-a-half hours away.”

“For seriously ill children, the little things you make possible really are the big things. Meika, was a normal, happy little girl who loved sleepovers and making messy potions and mud pies, when she was diagnosed with a rare eye cancer at age nine.”

“Situated 2,720kms from Perth and approximately 370kms out of Derby is the community of Dodnun. The community has roughly 40-50 people, and to Daisey-Lee Donation and her Aunty, Djari Latham, this is where ‘home’ is.”

““The support I received from the Ronald McDonald Family Room meant I was less stressed about other things and could totally focus on Jaxon. It just made my life so much easier during that time. It was such a blessing to have them there.””

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room Gosford has been a great escape from the ward, allowing time for relaxation and play.”

“It’s because of Ronald McDonald House that our family can get through these hard times.They really do make us feel welcome, safe and put a smile on our faces.”

“Its really has given us a home away from home. My husband and 2 daughters can travel to Tamworth and spend the weekend with me. To have them here and have a place for the girls to play that is not a hospital ward makes such a difference.”

“I love the volunteers in the Ronald McDonald Family Room, they people put their washing on, show people where the food is and wrap up teddy bears. They talk to you if you need someone to talk to, and hold babies if they need to hold a baby while mum is busy with the toddler. They’re great. ”

“Being able to take a break and holiday together as a family at the Hamilton Family Retreat has helped our family to relax, re energise and connect as a family.”

“The John Hunter Family Room was a good place for her to share her experiences with Volunteers and other new mums.”