Lachlan

This was our very first time staying at Ronald McDonald House Wagga Wagga — and I can honestly say, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing. In the midst of one of the most difficult times our family has faced, this place became our safe haven.

As a single mother of two children with complex special needs, the hospital experience is not only emotionally exhausting — it’s overwhelming in every way. My son, Lachlan, is 16 years old. He’s non-verbal, autistic, lives with intellectual and developmental delays, and also has epilepsy. Trying to be everything he needs while managing hospital stays and recovery — it’s a lot. It’s too much, sometimes. But this House… it gave us something we hadn’t felt in a long time: relief.

Staying at Ronald McDonald House lifted a massive weight off my shoulders. The emotional and financial strain of finding accommodation during hospital treatment — especially being so far from home — felt impossible. Without this House, I genuinely don’t know how I would’ve managed. There’s no way I could’ve afforded the extra cost, and that fear alone added to the stress of Lachlan’s recovery after surgery.

But here, everything is thought of. Each room has its own space in the kitchen — a fridge, freezer, pantry — making it so much easier to keep routines, especially when your child depends on structure and familiarity. These little things, they matter so much more than people realize.

And it’s not just the practical support. It’s the people. The staff and volunteers… they aren’t just doing a job — they care. Really, deeply care. They check in with genuine warmth. They remember your name. They ask about your night. They look you in the eye and you just know — they see you. That human connection, especially when you feel like your world is unraveling, is priceless.

Every morning, I’d walk into the kitchen and be greeted with a smile that helped me start the day. There was space for Lachlan to chill in the toy room or for us to have quiet moments in our room. It truly felt like a home away from home — warm, welcoming, and filled with kindness.

Over the 10 days we stayed, Lachlan had two seizures. I was terrified. But the response from the team here was nothing short of amazing. They were calm, empathetic, and supportive in a way that made me feel like we weren’t alone. Like someone had our back. They understood that every family is different, and they embraced us with so much grace and understanding.

Ronald McDonald House isn’t just a place to sleep. It’s a community. A tribe. A family. When your own world feels like it's falling apart, having people stand beside you makes all the difference. This House has been that for us — a beacon of safety, comfort, and love during one of the hardest chapters of our lives.

We will never forget the care, the compassion, and the countless ways the team at Ronald McDonald House Wagga Wagga made our stay not just manageable — but healing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’ve given us more than a roof over our heads. You’ve given us peace. And that is everything.