23 Feb Smith Family Story
Western Australia is one of the most isolated health jurisdictions in the world. There is only one choice when your child falls ill and requires complex treatment: pack up the car and make the trip to Perth.
In 2019, regional WA families with seriously ill children traveled approximately 1,271,080kms to reach Perth for medical treatment.
A WA family who knows about this long journey all too well is the Smith family from Albany, in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. Albany Mum Sara Smith, for the love of her son Liam, has traveled almost 40,000kms over 14 years. “Travelling a long distance knowing that you have somewhere to stay when you arrive in Perth is less stressful,” says Sara.
Liam (14) has 23 different medical complexities – he has never been formally diagnosed. Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) has been the family’s home away from home since 2008, when Liam was 2 years old.
“We know that when we go to the House there are other families who you can talk to, you are going through the same thing that you are. It’s a support system that you definitely need at that point in time, it’s really a ‘House Family’,” says Sara.
For over 300 nights, across 97 different stays, RMHC WA has provided supported accommodation to the Smith Family. During difficult times the House has kept the strong, and resilient WA family together in their times of need.
“Liam can be himself in the House – there’s no judgement – everyone knows him,” says Sara.
Latest stories about our families
-
Asher’s Story
When people think about a child with complex medical needs, they often focus on the challenges. And for Asher, a single mother of three energetic sons, including Ryder, who was born with G/BBB Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder, “We've faced plenty of those over the past 16 years.” Asher explains. Read more about Asher’s Story...
06 November, 2025 -
So much more than a holiday
In 2024, the Ronald McDonald Family Retreats hosted over 740 families that’s almost 200 more than in 2023. From soaking up the sun in Busselton, to BBQs in Bunbury and beach strolls in Mandurah, families had the opportunity to unwind and reconnect for a week, at no cost to them. Read more about So much more than a holiday...
20 June, 2025 -
Bringing play and learning to more WA families
With Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and Peel Health Campus, visiting families have access to spaces that offer respite and entertainment in between appointments. Read more about Bringing play and learning to more WA families...
19 June, 2025
Fill out your details below and we’ll keep you informed of our latest stories, campaigns and how you can help WA families in need.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ronald McDonald House WA acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are privileged to live, work and welcome families. We honour their enduring connection to Country, culture, and community, and pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.
Here, on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, we open our doors to families from across Western Australia when they need us most. Grounded in the enduring care and wisdom of the Traditional Custodians of this land, we offer comfort, safety, and a sense of home.
We recognise the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we walk alongside them with humility, respect, and a commitment to listening, learning, and healing together.