23 Feb WA’s Resilient Parents
Rebecca and Russell Pusey live in Geraldton, a 4.5 hour drive from Perth, with their daughters Willow, 12 and April, 16.
Russell is a Secondary Teacher and Rebecca is a Special Needs Education Assistant at local Geraldton schools.
In December 2019, Willow was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. A cancer that accounts for 40% of lymphoma cases in children and, more commonly in children 10 to 14 years.
For Rebecca and Russell the news came as a devastating shock. They could never have imagined their bright, effervescent daughter’s life affected by serious disease. “When we found out that we had to be in Perth for 6 to 12 months of medical treatment, that’s the saddest moment I had,” says Rebecca.
Because of the length of stay, Rebecca stayed with Willow in Perth for her treatment, while Russell and April stayed in Geraldton.
The pair had been staying at a hotel near Perth Children’s Hospital and was offered a place at Ronald McDonald House Charities Western Australia.
Willow’s hair started falling out 3 weeks into staying at the House.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, Willow was still undergoing treatment. Regional border and Government restrictions meant April and Russell could not visit Rebecca and Willow for weeks.
“During our stay at RMHC WA, COVID-19 hit. For Willow and me, who had only just adjusted to life away from home at RMHC WA, it meant more changes for us. We were unable to have Russell and April come and visit due to border restrictions. We were on our own.
Resilience during this time meant for us that we had to be thankful that we had somewhere comfortable, caring and supportive to stay while Willow completed her treatment,” says Rebecca.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Ronald McDonald House was a home away from home for Rebecca and Willow. Despite being kms apart, Rebecca and Russell showed strength for each of their daughters during an especially difficult time.
On 20th May 2020, after 120 consecutive nights at Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, Rebecca and Willow returned home after receiving the ‘all clear’ that she was now in remission.
Latest stories about our families
-
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 -
Supporting positive educational outcomes
In 2024, the Ronald McDonald Learning Program (RMLP) was an educational lifeline to hundreds of school aged children across WA. Read more about Supporting positive educational outcomes...
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 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.