Meet Elijah

When Elijah was just two years old, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and urgently transferred to hospital for life-saving treatment.

For his family, everything changed overnight. Days quickly became centred around hospital appointments, treatment schedules and the uncertainty that comes with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

During Elijah’s treatment, his family spent more than 285 nights staying at Ronald McDonald House so they could remain close while he received the care he needed.

Being able to stay nearby meant Elijah’s parents could be by his side every day, while still creating small moments of family life between hospital visits. Birthdays were marked together, milestones were celebrated and family traditions continued, even while far from home.

Being able to stay nearby meant Elijah’s parents could be by his side every day, while still creating small moments of family life between hospital visits. Birthdays were marked together, milestones were celebrated and family traditions continued, even while far from home.

"Elijah was so young when everything began,” his family shared. “Having somewhere close to stay meant we could focus on being together and supporting him through treatment." 

Experiences like Elijah’s are shared by many families whose children need specialist medical care far from home. When a child is seriously ill or injured, families often travel long distances for treatment and can spend weeks or months living near the hospital.

Having a place nearby where families can stay together helps bring comfort, stability and a sense of normal family life during an incredibly difficult time.

Each year, thousands of families with a seriously ill or injured child turn to Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW to keep their family together when it matters most - just like Elijah'ss did.

Be there for families so they can be there for theirs - join Heart & Sole - Walk for Sick Kids today.