Noah’s story

Ali and Adam Stephenson welcomed baby

Noah to their family at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children at 36 weeks, after a postnatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Noah was then required to spend two weeks in the neo-natal Intensive Care Unit before heading home. At just four months old, Noah returned to the hospital for bowel surgery and now (at one) is back again for further surgery.

For the Stephenson Family, being able to stay at Ronald Mcdonald House and being close to Noah meant the world. “It almost brought us to tears walking through the facility, seeing everything that was available to our family at such a vulnerable time in our lives.”

During Noah’s hospital visits, a place at Ronald Mcdonald House took away a huge financial and emotional burden, and instead allowed the family to focus their energy solely on supporting Noah. It meant the family was able to perform simple tasks such as washing clothes, making coffee and showering, as well as having a place to spend time with extended family and access to a kitchen so they weren’t spending time and money on takeaway and cafeteria meals.

“We were so grateful we had a place to take our daughter Harriet back to play during her visits so we could still spend some quality family time together. Until you are in a situation where you need this service, it is hard to know how it benefits people, but seeing and experiencing Ronald Mcdonald House firsthand leaves us forever grateful.”

You can help support families like Noah’s by donating online at rmhc.org.au/donate.