Team Transurban gears up to raise more funds for children like Mason

Since being diagnosed with one of the rarest forms of cancer at just 17-months-old, little Mason Garner and his family have spent more than 260 nights at Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane while receiving medical treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital across the road.

The family received incredible support from the House during his treatment, which is why parents Alex and Hugh are joining team Transurban for this year’s Race Day to continue raising much-needed funds for RMHC SEQ.

Over a period of 15 months, Mason underwent two intensive treatment rounds of chemotherapy, daily oral chemotherapy, as well as suffering from two septic infections.

While the Garnar family were able to return home in April 2021, Mason is still undergoing daily treatment, which means they often stay at Ronald McDonald House for Mason’s regular hospital visits.

For mum, Alex, and dad, Hugh, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) SEQ has been their rock during the most challenging and emotional time of their lives.

“If we needed to talk to someone, there was someone always there to listen. The emotional support was amazing,” Alex said.

“If we hadn’t had Ronald McDonald House, Mason would have missed out on his treatment. Having to pay for accommodation would have been impossible. It makes such a difference having that there because we wouldn’t have been able to financially afford it.”

“We’re so grateful to RMHC and hope Transurban’s fundraising effort and our participation in the Bridge to Brisbane will inspire other kids and families to also join along,” Alex said.

Team Transurban’s 200 strong team will be running again this year to raise funds for RMHC SEQ as they celebrate 10 years of support and over $1.7 million in donations to support families of sick children like Mason. .

Transurban Group Executive Queensland Sue Johnson said to celebrate this milestone, Team Transurban is gearing up to raise even more funds.

“We’re calling on everyone to get behind the appeal, sign up for the Bridge to Brisbane and fundraise in any way they can to support children like Mason.”

For a fourth year, Transurban Queensland is targeting a goal to fully fund the Ronald McDonald House inside the Queensland Children’s Hospital, which provides emergency accommodation to families with seriously ill children.