Andrew’s Story

Pictured left to right: August, Andrew, Keith

Each year Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ) accommodates and supports thousands of families in their three Ronald McDonald Houses in Brisbane.

These families often travel hundreds of kilometres to be close to specialist facilities for the treatment and care of their seriously ill or injured children. Many stay at the accommodation facility for weeks or months at a time. Some families are even transported to Brisbane in critical situations and arrive at our House not knowing that they are facing the most challenging times in their lives. This was the case for Andrew and his family.

Andrew was flown by emergency helicopter from Lismore Base Hospital in New South Wales, to Brisbane after scans there revealed the 15 year old had arterial vascular malformation (AVM) and had suffered a bleed on the brain after his artery had ruptured.

At the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the teenager was put on medication to reduce swelling on his brain and will be monitored until he can undergo brain surgery.

During his time in hospital, Andrew has had his family by his side. His father Keith accompanied him in the helicopter, while his mother Augusta, and older siblings Peter and Georgia, made the 2 hour drive from their hometown, to Brisbane.

During the early critical weeks, the whole family stayed at our Ronald McDonald Houses, firstly at the Herston House and then at the South Brisbane House, directly across the road from the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Being able to be together and there for Andrew during his medical emergency has been the most important thing for the family. Augusta said, “This was so unplanned, and words can’t express how grateful we are to Ronald McDonald House for the accommodation so close to the hospital, so we can be there for Andrew.”

Bridge to Brisbane naming sponsor Transurban, have been wonderful supporters of RMHC SEQ over the last eight years and have funded numerous projects and services across their Brisbane-based facilities. Their support has helped thousands of families requiring accommodation and assistance during the treatment of their child’s illness or injury.

As major partner for RMHC SEQ, Team Transurban are aiming to fund RMHC SEQ’s in-hospital emergency accommodation at Queensland Children’s Hospital for a third year through their Bridge to Brisbane fundraising appeal.

Click here to register, fundraise or donate to RMHC SEQ.

RMHC SEQ need the support of you and your community so they can keep families together and close to the care their child needs.