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Why riding matters

When a child is seriously ill or injured, distance can mean time apart from the people and support that matter most.

For families across Northern NSW, travelling for treatment often means being away from home, routine and community, at a time when being close matters most.

Every kilometre ridden, every pedal stroke, helps remove that barrier, making it possible for families to stay together, close to their child and their care.

Ride for Indi

In late June 2024, what was meant to be a fun weekend away became the start of a life-altering journey for six-year-old Indi and her family.

Suddenly and severely unwell, Indi was rushed to the emergency department at John Hunter Hospital. Within hours, she was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

Over the next year, Indi underwent chemotherapy, radiation therapy and multiple surgeries; spending nearly 100 nights in hospital. Through it all, her mum Nikki says, “She never complained. Her resilience and positivity are remarkable.”

Hours from their home town, Indi's family were suddenly far from everything familiar; relying on Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW to keep them close and near vital support.

“Our lives were turned upside down after Indi’s diagnosis,” Nikki shares. “The House gave us stability—it became our safe haven during the hardest time of our lives.”

The House provided more than accommodation—it gave them connection, community, and a place to simply be together.

“It turned the worst experience of our lives into something positive. It helped shape my children into the resilient, kind kids they are today.”

The family also accessed the Ronald McDonald Family Room at John Hunter Hospital, and they’re looking forward to a stay at the Family Retreat in Forster—a much-needed chance to rest and recharge.

After spending 270 nights at our House, Indi and her family returned home, undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. Back at school, happy, and thriving—they still talk about their time at the House.

“Without the House, we would have struggled emotionally and financially" - Nikki.

Ride for Adaliyah

At almost one-and-a-half years old, Adaliyah has already gone through more than any child should have to.

Born at just 26 weeks gestation, Adaliyah spent the first three-months of her life in NICU and a further five-months in PICU at the John Hunter Children's Hospital; a cognital heart defect meant the newborn required ventilation and around the clock care. 

"There were a lot of downs; some ups but a lot of downs. There were times where we thought we had lost her." - Charlotte, Adaliyah's mum.

Hundreds of kilometres from their home town and away from their loved ones, Charlotte and Tyrone (Adaliyah's dad) relied on our Ronald McDonald House to keep their family together and close by Adaliyah's side. 

"Having the support of everyone at the House has been amazing. We've really gotten to know everyone and their journeys. You feel like you're not alone - the other families, volunteers and staff they become your friends and family."

"It really is home away from home; sometimes better than your home."