Sea World on the Gold Coast is always a big hit, especially with little ones! Four-year-old Thomas Hollowell and his family have been through tough times, so a day out exploring this much-loved attraction is a real treat!
Tom was just three weeks old when he was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called Empty Liver Syndrome. Luckily, he received a life-saving liver transplant just days after his diagnosis. While Tom underwent further treatment in Brisbane, his parents, Anna and Ken were taken care of by the team at Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The house is a free facility that helps support seriously ill children and their families. Parents, along with their little ones can settle into their home away from home as they navigate what will most likely be some of the toughest moments of their lives.
“Ronald McDonald House was invaluable in the respect that it was a space where Ken could get away,” explained Tom’s mother, Anna.
“Even speak to people in similar situations and have a meal. I always remember one of the nurses telling us you’re not thriving, you’re just there to survive, just while he’s at his worst.”
These houses are a lifeline for families that need vital support as they take care of their seriously ill or injured children and it’s thanks to volunteers and fundraising initiatives that make places like this a possibility. If you’d like to show your support, head to your nearest McDonalds on Saturday the 19th of November for McHappy Day. $2 from every Big Mac sold will go towards this incredible facility!
McHappy Day
Saturday, 19th November
www.rmhc.org.au/qld
