23 May Fulton Family Story
Each year, families from the Pilbara with sick or injured kids will reach out to Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC WA) for support whilst in Perth for medical treatment.
One of those families is Lauren Lucas and Brendan Fulton who live in Karratha 1,500kms from Perth.
Shortly before Lauren was due to give birth to twins, an ultrasound in Perth revealed that they would need to stay in Perth as their twins would require critical medical care.
While most newborn babies weigh on average 2500 grams and 4000 grams… Everly and Ainsley were born weighing 1800 and 2000 grams.
Lauren and Brendan were provided supported accommodation in the Ronald McDonald House within Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) on Level 5 – so that they could stay close to Everly and Ainsley.
Like most regional families who need to be in Perth for medical treatment, finding a place to call home for an extended period of time can be difficult.
For Lauren and Brendan, Ronald McDonald House Charities WA provided vital support during the most difficult time of their lives.
“Ronald McDonald House made all the difference in the world to us. Having a home away from home where we could be with our babies and not have to travel to see them every day made all the difference.
Knowing that I could see and be with them at any time, day and night, just like any parent who was able to take their newborn babies straight home made me so appreciative and grateful for what Ronald McDonald House was having been able to create,” says Lauren.
“Being originally from Victoria – 2 hours is nothing at all when you think about getting from a rural town to the city – but having to catch a flight to the city is a whole other level … everything is so much farther away.”
“Ronald McDonald House took so much stress off of our shoulders so we could be with and focus on our children. And the volunteers and staff! My god were they just amazing! I have never felt so welcomed, they just go above and beyond for the families.”
Thankfully, the family was able to return home after 11 nights at the Ronald McDonald House within PCH. One year on and Everly and Ainsley have grown so much!
Lauren says it’s hard for her and Brendan to choose just one superpower about the girls.
“Ainsley is always dancing and doing cheeky things to make us smile! Her dad calls her ‘little miss sunshine’ or ‘little miss good time’ because she is always just so bright and happy.
As for Everly, I love how she sits back and takes in the world around her. She loves playing instruments. Her favourite thing is her little drum set, which she is obsessed with.”
For WA families who require critical medical care at Perth Children’s Hospital, RMHC WA will always be there to provide wrap-around care and support services.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Ronald McDonald House Charities WA acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia. We recognise their enduring and continuing connection to the sky, lands, waters, and culture of this land.