At just 12 months old, Thea was diagnosed with an enlarged heart.
"Ronald McDonald House is an organisation that goes above and beyond for families. It’s a home away from home and keeps us close" Desiree, Thea's Mum
At just 12 months old, Thea was diagnosed with Myocarditis-Dilated Cardiomyopathy after a Doctor at Queensland Children's Hospital saw the size of her enlarged heart.
Thea required immediate treatment and her family were required to relocate to Melbourne for the foreseeable future. For 8 months, young Thea was an inpatient at the Royal Children's Hospital where she was treated for her Myocarditis using the Berlin Heart Mechanical Heart Assist for 229 days. She was discharged from Hospital in June 2020.
Being 1,663km's away from their home in Woodridge, Queensland, staying close to the hospital at Ronald McDonald House Parkville meant that Thea had her immediate family by her side. No matter the time of day or night, Thea's mum, Desiree could be there. Thea and her family spent 279 nights at Ronald McDonald House.
"Being able to have immediate family within arms reach all hours was the most beneficial aspect of the House", says Desiree.
Because of you, when exhausted and anxious families, just like Thea's arrive at the House, compassionate staff and volunteers are always there; ready to greet them with open arms. The House is also a place where they find the companionship of other families travelling a similar journey.
When asked, Desiree shares that when they leave the House, "I will miss the families we have made friends with!"
During their 287 nights at Ronald McDonald House, the COVID-19 pandemic provided an extra battle for the family, with Thea and Desiree confined to the hospital with no visitors being admitted during the State of Emergency.
"It was hard not having her brother able to visit for over 3 months. So we were even more isolated. It was a pretty hard time for us".
Thea is one of the thousands of children who have been able to heal while being surrounded by the love and support of their family – thanks to the Ronald McDonald House program of RMHC VIC & TAS.
Ronald McDonald House Victoria & Tasmania
Children like Thea, who has needed months of treatment, miss out on time spent at home surrounded by their family. The purpose of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a safe and supportive home-away-from-home for families when they need it the most.
In 2019 Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania supported 2,402 families.
