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Supporting a Family Battling Cancer
“I can’t even remember much of the first few weeks; it was all so unreal,” Leanne says. “The staff at the House showed us the way. I will never forget the love of the House.”
During their eight-month stay at the House, Leanne’s family had its ups and downs and a lot of stress. But the Ronald McDonald House kept them together. “The staff and volunteers took us under their wing and gave us the support we needed,” she says. “They restored a sense of normalcy to our lives.” Luke was able to keep up with his schoolwork with the help of a private tutor provided by the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, and the family went on vacation to the RMHC Australia Ronald McDonald Family Retreat.
Little Things Matter
Leanne found that it’s often the little things, such as meals prepared by volunteers and visits from special guests (like Olympic divers) that mean the most. Trips to the beach with other parents offered Leanne a bit of relaxation. “The volunteers did facials and manicures for moms at the House,” she says. “It was just heaven to have someone take the time to pamper me because I didn’t have a chance to do it myself.”
Although Leanne’s family resumed their regular routine after they left the House, they were soon reliving the stress they experienced when Luke was first diagnosed. Luke had to have another brain surgery requiring another lengthy stay at the hospital. As he recovered, all he wanted was to get out for a day. He wanted to visit the House on baking day so that he could get a treat and visit volunteers.
Luke and his family have returned to the Ronald McDonald House many times. “We live our life day by day,” Leanne says. “But every time we open the door to the House, we are greeted with open arms.”
The staff at the House showed us the way. I will never forget the love of the House.
- Leanne
