Newborn baby Leo had complications at birth which resulted in his emergency resuscitation.
“His initial diagnosis was that he swallowed meconium in the womb and had to be resuscitated at birth,” said Leo’s mother, Katie.
Leo was then taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Cairns.
“By day five, Leo's lungs were clear of the meconium, but he had developed suspected viral meningitis,” Katie said.
Baby Leo’s meningitis could not be treated in Cairns, so he was flown by helicopter to Townsville University Hospital, where he was admitted to the NICU to start treatment. During their time away from home, Leo’s parents, Katie and Cale, were accommodated at Ronald McDonald House.
"From the moment we arrived at Ronald McDonald House, we were greeted by Lani, who put our minds at ease when she gave us the induction into the House and gave us the tour," Katie said.
“We had certainly heard of Ronald McDonald House before, but being there and needing the facilities ourselves was just another thing.
"The whole team of volunteers and staff at Ronald McDonald House were nothing short of amazing, and we were told multiple times during our stay that if there was something we needed that we couldn't find in the House, all we had to do was ask.
“From home-cooked meals, snacks and coffee made for us when we went to the Family Room to get a break in between caring for our newborn in NICU, to the use of the passes to go to Billabong Sanctuary with our other children on the weekend to get our minds off the hospital for a few hours - every single thing you can think of, Ronald McDonald House can offer families, even if it's just an ear to vent to.”
Baby Leo’s older sisters, Charlotte and Eloise, had lots of fun at Ronald McDonald House on the weekend.
"When our girls visited us on the weekend, they loved the playground, games room and the pancakes!”
Despite their relatively short time staying at Ronald McDonald House, their experience with the Charity had a lasting impact on the family.
"Our stay was only just over two weeks, and that's nothing in comparison to what other families have to go through, but if it wasn't for Ronald McDonald House, I don't know how we would have gotten by in those two weeks, financially and emotionally,” Katie said.
Thankfully, baby Leo has made a full recovery following his hospital stay.
“Fast forward three months and we are kicking goals at home and Leo is happy and healthy,” Katie exclaimed.