Twenty-six years ago Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle first opened its doors with a mission to provide families with accommodation and support when needed most.
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Since then, countless families from the region have utalised the house when seeking medical treatment at John Hunter Hospital.
Four-year-old Bridgette Harris-Livet was flown from Moree to Newcastle, three days old, born with a full cleft palate.
Two weeks later, the local family met with John Hunter’s Cleft Team and have been regular visitors ever since.
Mother, Jessie said Ronald McDonald House catered for all of Bridgette’s needs.
“When you walk into the house, staff always go above and beyond to ask how everything went with appointments and if we need extra help with anything,” she said.
Bridgette calls Ronald McDonald house the “castle” and has formed strong bonds with staff and volunteers of the service.
The brave, Moree girl has undergone two large-scale operations to close her palate, has had five sets of grommets and is expected to be visiting John Hunter for another 14 plus years.
“One time we arrived in Newcastle and it was unusually cold, the Ronald McDonald House brought out a massive ‘Frozen’ themed blanket someone had donated to Bridgette and it lifted our spirits a lot,” she said.
Not only has Ronald McDonald House acted as a “home away from home” but has connected the family with others on the same cleft journey.
“We’re friends with a Newcastle family who has a little girl 12 months older than Bridgette and it’s great because she always fills me in on what’s to come, even if the outcome is different I feel more prepared when we talk,” she said.
Although Bridgette’s visits to Newcastle are far from over, Jessie finds comfort in knowing Ronald McDonald house is there to help lift spirits during some hard times.
“150 kids are born with a cleft every year and so many people know little about it, I believe there needs to be more awareness. I didn’t know much about it until Bridgette was born.”
The family also encouraged people to donate and support the Ronald McDonald House.
“You never know when you might need to use the service. All the staff and volunteers are absolutely amazing.
“They understand what you are going through and take care of the little things you just don’t have time to think about.”
