Mangala Martinus

I'm fundraising for CEO Walk In My Shoes

I am joining fellow CEOs in experiencing a day in the life of a family who stays at Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney

Why am I doing this?

While our son was undergoing treatment at Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for brain cancer, over a six-month period I spent half of that time staying with him 24x7 at the hospital (when not staying at the hospital I was caring full-time for our other four children at home). During those stays in hospital, I'd visit the Family Room at the hospital provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities every day for 20-30 minutes as it was a nice quiet place with a welcoming feel that provided a respite from the cancer ward.

I met several parents during my time in the cancer ward (as we all tried to support each other) who were from country/regional areas and staying at Ronald McDonald House at Randwick who commented on how it took another stressor away during what is a very tough time for the whole family.

Imagine that you have just received the worst news possible – your child is seriously ill and you need to relocate your family in order to receive the lifesaving treatment that your child needs.

You would drop everything right? But what does that actually mean?

The families that stay at Ronald McDonald House Charities are away from their home, their support system and everything they know. The House provides them with support to ensure they can concentrate on what is most important, their sick child and family.

These are just a few things Ronald McDonald House Charities provide to families

• A House that is open 365 days a year, to ensure families have a place to stay at no charge
• Support sick kids and their families through various programs
• Make sure families have a home cooked meal and most importantly
• Continue keeping families together during this difficult time

Kids should be living life, NOT fighting for it!

I am asking you to support me in helping Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney continue providing a warm and supportive home-away-from-home for families of children travelling to the House for treatment.

If it were your child or a loved one's child wouldn't you want to know that they had this level of support?

It costs $160 per day to house a family for a day, so I'm trying to raise $2,240 to help support a family for two weeks.

Anything you can give to help support this cause, no matter how small would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Mangala