At just five months old, Louis, meaning “warrior’” is already living up to his name.

Born prematurely at the John Hunter Hospital when his mum Thi was just 26 weeks pregnant, the then 490-gram bundle entered the world no bigger than the average-sized mobile phone.

His sudden arrival came about in July when Thi experienced some discomfort while visiting friends in Pokolbin with husband Hanh.

The Sydney resident attended a local hospital for assessment and what followed was an urgent dash to Newcastle to deliver the pair’s baby.

“It was a very stressful time,” Hanh told the Newcastle Weekly.

“We did not know if he would survive. It was a time of lots of worry.”

Louis’ sudden arrival kick-started what was to become a 147-day battle.

“He fights for his name,” Hanh said

“Since he was born he just keeps fighting. He is a warrior.”

While Louis was being constantly monitored in the neonatal ward at the Hunter’s largest hospital, Hanh and Thi were provided temporary accommodation right next door at the Ronald McDonald House in New Lambton Heights.

“We had nowhere to go,” Hanh says.

“Sydney was too risky at that time because of the COVID situation, and it was in lockdown, so it was not safe to return there.

“But, there were no rentals for us and we already had so much stress.”

Hanh and Thi say their room at RMH soon became “home”.

“During that time the staff here became friends, and the other families too. We shared stories and we shared information which was very helpful.

“We felt welcomed and we felt the care from staff.”

Now weighing in at 4kg, Louis and his small family farewelled the home-away-from-home on Wednesday.

“After five months here, it’s been a long time and it feels like home, especially the kitchen.

“I hope one day I will have a big kitchen like this one.”

The young family are hoping to make a fresh start in Dubbo, where Hanh has been offered a restaurant manager’s role. 

Their departure date coincides with the signing of a new three-year partnership between Greater Charitable Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities, Northern NSW.

After committing to a three-year agreement in 2019, on Wednesday Greater Charitable Foundation announced it would commit a further $650,000 to the Stronger Together partnership across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and New England Regions.

The boost takes the group’s total contribution to RMHC Northern NSW to more than $1 million, a figure that is set to significantly reduce the financial burden for thousands of families with a seriously ill or injured child.

RMHC Northern NSW currently operates in Newcastle and Tamworth, including family rooms at John Hunter Children’s Hospital and Gosford Hospital, and a family retreat in Forster.

The new funding will also allow the Ronald McDonald Learning Program to continue to provide 600 hours of tailored one-on-one tutoring for up to 15 Northern NSW students per year who have missed long periods of school due to serious illness.

RMCH Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said that as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, they rely heavily on community support to deliver vital programs for families with seriously-ill children.

“We’re exceptionally proud of the role Ronald McDonald House Charities, Northern NSW has played in supporting the thousands of families over the past 30 years, but it simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of organisations such as Greater Bank and Greater Charitable Foundation,” he explained.

“Today’s [Wednesday]’s announcement is incredibly important to our operations over the next three years. 

“It supports the running of our programs and facilities across four regional areas, that in turn supports the social and financial wellbeing of many families across those areas.”

Mr Bingham said providing families with a home away from home cost the foundation an estimated $117 per night, assisting with necessities such as accommodation, food, parking and laundry.

“The focus and priority of families with a seriously ill or injured child is always getting the best possible care,” he said.

“However reality is that medical bills, living away from home, and the need for one or both parents to take time off work, can quickly become a major financial burden.

“Over the years, we’ve supported families who’ve been required to stay for upwards of 200 nights. Without this support, the financial burden could become crippling.”

Greater Charitable Foundation CEO Anne Long said she was delighted to continue a partnership that will positively impact many lives across regional NSW.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities, Northern NSW has a long-held reputation for providing an outstanding service to many families and we are incredibly excited to extend our partnership for another three years,” she said.

“Their programs dovetail perfectly with our new funding strategy of improving the overall financial wellbeing of participants.

“Caring for a sick or injured loved one can be incredibly stressful, particularly when it’s a child needing care and the inevitable financial burden families face makes things even harder.

“This partnership will play an important role in reducing that burden for families so they can continue to focus on the health and wellbeing of their sick or injured child and, importantly, each other.”

For more stories like this:

• Kaylee’s family says thanks
• Thank you for Greater assistance says RMHC
• Verto, RMHC supporting families in need

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