Ronald McDonald House gave shelter when sick baby needed months of care
A family gave up their home and found free shelter at Ronald McDonald House during their baby's care.
Xander Glennie was born with a hole between his windpipe and food pipe. Xander's first surgery at four days old failed.
A second attempt looked promising, but his airway collapsed again and he needed a tracheostomy tube. Xander's parents, Blake and Annette, had left their Melbourne rental to move home to Newcastle.
With hotels costing $250 a night and their savings depleted, they had nowhere to stay near the hospital. A social worker arranged a room at Ronald McDonald House.
Annette stayed there for two months while Blake travelled for work. The family stayed close to Xander throughout his nine months in hospital, including 270 days in intensive care.
After surgery to reinforce his airway, Xander came home. He now has a feeding tube and may need more operations, but he's a happy, smiling toddler.
- 270
- Days in ICU
- 9 months
- Total hospital stay
- £250
- Hotel cost per night
- 2 months
- Shelter duration
Why it mattersRonald McDonald House provided a lifeline when this family had nowhere else to stay during months of hospital treatment, removing impossible choices between care and survival.
AustraliaRonald McDonald House provides free or low-cost accommodation for Australian families with seriously ill children at major hospitals. This support directly affects thousands of families each year.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
