16 May Antonios’ Story

Nicole’s son Antonios is such a happy boy, he loves life and never complains about anything. So last April when he told her he was feeling sick and having trouble walking, Nicole knew it may be something serious.

Still, she was totally unprepared for what happened next.

In the morning, Antonios had a blood test. By that evening, his entire family had been rushed urgently to a hospital in the city, over three hours’ drive away from home.

The next time they saw their home was three months later and Nicole was grateful to stay with Ronald McDonald House.

“I really don’t know how we would have gotten through it without the help of Ronald McDonald House.”

Antonios was diagnosed with acute B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL) and he was very ill. It was completely overwhelming for the family finding out Antonios’ diagnosis.

One minute life was normal, the next they were in the big city, with no roof over their head, a child with cancer plus a younger daughter to care for – it was too much.

Staying with Ronald McDonald House Charities made it possible for the family to stay together, as well as be close to the medical care that saved Antonios’ life.

From homecooked meals, help with the laundry, and emotional support, Nicole said RMHC lifted the weight of normal life and allowed her to focus on her family.

“There’s really no place like Ronald McDonald House when you are caring for a seriously ill child, a long, long way from home.”