Kody-Leigh McGlone and her husband, Jack, with baby Alaska. RMHC helped the family when Alaska was born prematurely and had to stay in hospital. Photo: Grace Goodwin Photography.
A Braidwood mother has shared her personal experience of being “saved” by the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) at a gala event that raised $45,000 for the children’s program.
The annual Meet the Makers dinner was held by the RMHC ACT & SE NSW division at the revamped Pialligo Estate, bringing together supporters of the longstanding charity that provides free accommodation, meals, retreats, and other support to seriously ill children and their families.
In a moving speech, Kody-Leigh McGlone illuminated the work of RMHC by detailing the support it provided her when her third child, Alaska, was born prematurely.
“I was told that I was being discharged and that I would have to leave the hospital that day without my baby … which was horrific. I cried the whole way home,” she said.
“I was then driving three-hour round trips daily with my two kids to visit our baby … I would stay at the hospital all day, drive back home and then repeat.”
Some 130 people attended the RMHC Meet the Makers dinner. Photo: Grace Goodwin Photography.
That all changed when Ms McGlone and her other two infant children were provided accommodation at Ronald McDonald House next to the hospital where Alaska was being treated.
“We stayed at the Ronald McDonald house for 47 nights. Our life for those weeks was put on hold, being at the hospital 24/7. But Ronald McDonald House didn’t feel like we were living in a hospital; it felt like a home away from home. We got our own room and bathroom, which, if you have kids, is very needed. We got a TV with Netflix on it and a shared laundry, living area, game and toy area, and kitchen. A playroom for my other children just downstairs. It really was a home,” she said.
“Having the Ronald McDonald house available to us made our life so much easier in one of the hardest times. It also felt like a sisterhood community. Every mother in the house had a premmy, had a story to tell and we could all relate.
“I truly have the house to thank for saving my family, myself and my mental health by giving us accommodation for so long, free of charge.”
Ms McGlone has built up a huge following on social media and uses her profile to support RMHC.
A three-course meal was served at Pialligo Estate. Photo: Grace Goodwin Photography.
In 2024, Ronald McDonald House Canberra recorded its highest-ever occupancy.
RMHC now runs programs at Centenary Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, and John James Deakin. RMHC supports both Canberra families and those from surrounding regions, such as the McGlones, when children need care in the ACT.
The Pialligo Estate fundraising dinner was sponsored by property developer GEOCON.
Winemakers Mount Majura, Clonakilla Wines, Collector Wines and Lerida Estate also supported the fundraiser.
Around 130 people attended, with local wines matched with a three-course dinner.
Support for Ronald McDonald House can be provided by making a donation on its website or getting involved with McHappy Day on Saturday, 16 November, when $2 from every Big Mac sold goes directly to RMHC.
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