Very Precious Cargo

AUTUMN 2019 / NEWSLETTER #66

The amazing The Family Room Mark your calendar! team at NICU turns five! Events 2019 Page 4 Page 5 Page 7

Our Christchurch House was part of history when Timaru quadruplets Molly, Quinn, Indie and Hudson were born last year. The MacDonald family (including 4-year-old Brooklyn) spent 96 nights with us.

VERY PRECIOUS CARGO

When Timaru parents Kendall and Joshua MacDonald found out "There was so much anxiety, not knowing anything about Ronald they would have to stay at our Christchurch House, they were McDonald House and being away from home – it was so scary we didn’t want to do it.” apprehensive. Unsurprisingly so – their little family of three was about to become a family of seven, with the impending arrival of Their fears evaporated when they walked into our Christchurch House, which became their ‘home-away-from-home’ for 96 nights. “Staying at New Zealand’s first set of quadruplets in over two decades. the House was such a relief. The team was so amazing and immediately Kendall had been taking the fertility drug clomiphene to help ovulate. made us feel at home,” says Kendall. However doctors were unsure if this caused the pregnancy, or if they Josh says the team helped them enrol Brooklyn in a Christchurch conceived the quadruplets naturally. preschool, and put them at ease.

Already overwhelmed by this news, Kendall and Josh were told by “We had no daily living stresses – dinner was cooked almost every night, and the team could help us organise everything we needed.” Timaru Hospital doctors they needed to move to Christchurch with their then 3-year-old son, Brooklyn, so they could be close to specialised We also made some amazing friendships, especially with the other medical care necessary to safely monitor the four babies. At 25 weeks families who had babies in hospital. pregnant Kendall says she was anxious about coming to Christchurch. ...continued on page 2

Keeping families close™  www.rmhsi.org.nz |  RonaldMcDonaldHouseSouthIsland |  RMHSI There has been a lot of media attention on these precious quadruplets and their family. The MacDonald family recently met the ‘Mother of the Nation’ Hilary Barry. Photo credit: Quad Mum Plus One Instagram.

Then on August 15, when Kendall was just over 28 weeks pregnant, she gave birth to four healthy babies – Molly, Quinn, Indie and Hudson.

“It was surreal,” recalls Kendall.

“I was still a bit out of sorts from the C-section. The doctors had prepared us for the worst, but the babies were born at a healthy weight and we were so happy.”

The four precious MacDonald babies then spent time at Christchurch Women’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, where they received specialised care, and help learning to feed.

“It was always emotional leaving the babies in hospital, but it was so much better being able to stay close to them at Ronald McDonald House.”

Then when they were strong enough, the babies were transferred to Timaru Hospital, before the MacDonald family was able to settle their family into a ‘new normal’ at home.

This meant a new car, extra support from nannies, and learning to balance feeding, nappy changing, and time for big brother Brooklyn.

Telling the quadruplets apart has been a challenge at times, laughs Kendall and Josh.

Since their birth just over six months ago, Kendall says Molly, Quinn, Indie and Hudson have defied the odds, and are growing into happy, healthy little individuals.

Looking back, Kendall and Josh don’t know what they would have done if the Christchurch House was not available. “We always say we don’t know what we would have done had this place not been available. Especially being so close, it was such a relief,” says Kendall.

To the generous good sorts who donate to Ronald McDonald House South Island, Kendall says her family is evidence the giving makes a difference. “Thank you – it really does help to keep families close.” To keep up-to-date with this

family’s incredible Thank you to Hazel & Cass journey, follow Photography for sharing ‘Quad Mum Plus this photoshoot of the One’ on Facebook or MacDonald Family Instagram www.hazelandcass.co.nz » House Happenings «

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extra special was when the Connell family from Hokitika met 1. Our Christchurch House Christmas Party was filled with these amazing West Coast-based supporters. It was so lovely presents, fun, and a Christmas feast with all the trimmings! for the Connell family to see a few friendly faces from home! Our thanks go to Lincoln University for providing such a great spread for our families. 4. We were absolutely thrilled to receive this Christmas gift for families staying with us, from our national partners Ray White 2. "Our 120 nights at Ronald McDonald House were incredibly New Zealand. The local Christchurch offices raised the funds hard but also incredibly supportive. We were so well looked as part of the recent South Island Wine & Food Festival, and we after by everyone that when it came time to leave it was very cannot be more grateful. emotional. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." Jacinda Panther, mother of Maisie and Louis shared these beautiful words with 5. Lachie’s very own Drive for Good! Thanks to Archibald’s, our team after their stay with us, and we couldn’t help but share houseguest Lachie’s batman dreams came true when he was them with you! able to take a joy ride in a very flash black Porsche. Our thanks go to Archibald’s for choosing us as one of 10 local charities to 3. Recently, Room Sponsors and supporters of the House accelerate in their 100th Birthday campaign. Westland Milk Products, cooked an incredible dinner for families at our Christchurch House. What made this dinner A special relationship: OUR TEAM AND NICU SOCIAL WORKERS

Social workers based at Christchurch

PAGE 4 Linings #66 | PAGE Silver Women’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit play a very special role in caring for families and their precious little ones.

Chrissy, Claudine and Margaret are social workers who walk alongside families with a child in the neonatal unit (NICU), offering practical and emotional support for any issues that may arise.

NICU provides 24-hour care for newborn babies with a variety of special needs. These include prematurity, surgery, congenital abnormalities and babies who may have been compromised at birth.

All newborn babies from around the South Island who require surgery come to NICU, mums need to be close to the hospital to “It is an incredible and nurturing place – making the unit very busy and often full. feed their baby, Ronald McDonald House families would have a much harder journey and the team are always so welcoming and if you guys weren’t around. Our job would be Our Christchurch House team has a very accommodating to our families” so much harder,” says Claudine. close working relationship with the NICU social workers, as a third of the families we Margaret says, “Sadly we are dealing with Despite the hardships these women see support have a baby receiving care in this more complex social issues, “While families families facing on a daily basis, they, like specialised area of the hospital. are dealing with their own problems, they our team, feel privileged to be part of the have the added pressure of having a baby in NICU journey. “To be eligible to stay at the Christchurch intensive care – it can be a real rollercoaster House, families have to live 100 kilometres “It is a real privilege to see the families go of emotions.” That is why Margaret says away from the hospital,” says Chrissy. home with their little ones – we wouldn’t our Christchurch House is like ‘heaven’ for “However we do apply for exemptions under have it any other way.” families when they first arrive. exceptional circumstances, as we know Volunteer Spotlight Every Wednesday for the last three years Karen has volunteered at our Christchurch House, typically found with a vacuum cleaner in hand and a smile on her face.

After a car accident left her with a brain injury, Karen took the opportunity to find a way to give back to the community she felt had given so much to her. Since she started volunteering, her awareness of the “I love being charity has increased hugely. involved, the way the “I want to make people more aware of how much Ronald team and volunteers McDonald House has to offer the community.” pull together is Karen is always putting up her hand to offer help, with the amazing. I’ve seen the most recent venture finding her participating in the ASB impact it has on the Christchurch marathon to raise funds for the House. “I love families.” being involved, the way the team and volunteers pull together is Volunteer superstar Karen lends a hand at our amazing. I’ve seen the impact it has on the families.” Christchurch House every Wednesday morning. While this regular volunteer remains modest about her involvement at the House, the team all agree she is a very important part of the day-to-day happenings here. There is one thing that she will not remain quiet over, her encouraging words to anyone else WANT TO BECOME A SUPERSTAR VOLUNTEER LIKE KAREN? thinking of volunteering. We have volunteering opportunities in both “You are helping genuinely real people and if nothing else it makes you feel good.” Karen sums Christchurch and Invercargill. up Ronald McDonald House South Island in one word, inspirational. Funnily enough, that’s the Visit www.rmhsi.org.nz to find out more. word we find ourselves using when describing her - she adds a spark to our Wednesdays and we are so lucky to have her. » What's Going On « Down South The latest happenings from the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital PAGE 5 Linings #66 | PAGE Silver

The first family to find solace in the Family Room was the Jones family from Queenstown, who welcomed twins Ivy and Hudson 10 weeks early in December 2013. Ivy and Hudson just celebrated their fifth birthday in December, and mum Nicky says it is incredible to see how far the twins have come since their premature arrival. Family Room turns five! December 12, 2018 marked five years since the Ronald McDonald to be able to support so many families so they can focus on Family Room, Southland Hospital was opened – the world’s most what matters most – their child. “From Room Sponsors to regular southern Ronald McDonald House facility. Since the Family Room’s baking volunteers and event supporters – the Southland doors opened in 2013, the facilities have provided a ‘home-away- community has really got behind the Family Room. from-home’ for 685 family visits which have accounted for 11,519 “This Birthday Celebration is not only a heads on pillows. milestone for our team and all the families The Family Room celebrated this milestone with a special who have walked through our doors, it is a A home-away- afternoon tea, attended by The Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt, past and chance to say thank you to Southland for from-home for 685 present families, and supporters. Ronald McDonald House South embracing the Family Room over the past families, that's over Island CEO Mandy Kennedy says the organisation is humbled five years.” 11,519 heads on pillows! SOUTHLAND GOOD SORTS!

Two Southland good sorts started 2019 off by raising over $7,000 for families at the Ronald McDonald Family Room!

Steve Clements and Shane Carson grew their hair for the last year to shave it for us - and in January they made it happen at the Waikiwi Tavern.

A huge thank you to the Tavern Team, Brittany Shuttleworth hair and the incredible Southland community for getting behind families who have a child in hospital.

Steve Clements and Shane Carson raised over $7000 for the Family Room by shaving off their hair. Sarah McGuinness is a ‘guru’ of self now.. For parents and caregivers, there can care in New Zealand. With degrees in be a misconception that spending time on psychology and communications, Sarah yourself is selfish but it’s not the case at all.

PAGE 6 Linings #66 | PAGE Silver guides people of all ages to be happier, What are some simple ways for mums, healthier versions of themselves. dads, and caregivers to relax? Even if Families who stay with us often describe they might be at their child’s bedside. this period of their lives as incredible Sarah: There are lots of really simple, cheap stressful, scary and overwhelming. (at best – free!) ways for mums, dads and We asked Sarah for some simple tips on how caregivers to relax – even at their child’s mums, dads, and caregivers can practise beside. The Mental Health Foundation’s Five ‘self care’ while their child is in hospital. Ways to Wellbeing can be a good reference What is self-care and why would it be point (Give, Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, such as this. I’ve had friends go through important for families staying with us? Keep Learning). Some simple ideas include: challenging situations with children and I’ve playing a game together with your child, Sarah: Essentially, there are two parts to sometimes felt ashamed that my words and reading, listening to music, talking to an old self care. First, self care is about simply actions failed to show how much I cared and friend, writing letters, walking outside, doing acknowledging how you’re thinking and wanted help. Yet, some of the most simple an art/craft activity, learning something feeling, and being support you can give is to listen, and validate new, listening to an online guided mediation compassionate and acknowledge how the family is feeling. (children’s ones can be great for adults if you Simple with yourself in Reach out to the family and let them know and your child would like to do it together!), ideas include: recognising you’re thinking of them, and send messages watching comedy on TV, and putting a warm playing a game together where you’re of support on milestone dates (and even heat pack on your shoulders. Try using the with your child, reading, at. It’s having randomly). Staying in contact with a family, five senses as well, so enjoy a hot drink that listening to music, talking that moment even if they don’t immediately reply, helps smells good, or snuggle under a comfy to an old friend, writing to check in them to feel connected, important and loved. blanket. Keeping a hobby you love alive can letters, walking outside, with yourself, If you get stuck with not knowing what to also help you stay connected with life beyond doing an art/craft as you would say, ask an open-ended question, such as, the hospital walls. activity... a friend, and “how is…?” or simply say, “I’m sorry and I’m having empathy. What would your advice be to friends of here when you need me”. Even little things Second, self care is families staying with us? How can they like clearing the letterbox, or popping a hand about taking steps to care for yourself so support families? written card in the mail can be thoughtful and much appreciated. that you can thrive, and those steps will Sarah: As a friend, it can be hard to know depend very much on your needs right what to do or say during a challenging time

ROOM SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:

Bill & Helen Bishop With hearts of gold, Drs Bill and Helen Bishop will never admit that they’re doing anything out of the ordinary. They simply believe that if you can help, you should.

And they do. Bill and Helen sponsored A Day at the Polo in conjunction with their Canterbury Equine Clinic partners. They then fostered an incredible partnership with the legendary race horse Spirit Eclipse in 2015, raising over $25,000 for the House.

A tour of the House brought them in to see the special space, fit for the high number of families that use it on a daily basis. This and Bill says he still remembers what it was like to step through generous couple knows what a difference it makes to families, to the doors for the first time. “You get a wonderful vibe from the have the facilities available that they need to keep life as normal House – it’s the feeling of unconditional love.” as possible.

This helped them understand the amazing way the House was “We know when we give to sponsor the laundry, every dollar will designed, and they decided then and there to sponsor our go towards helping the families, directly. It’s the power of people Laundry. One of the most underrated gems of the House, the helping people. Our connection to Ronald McDonald House Laundry has recently been upgraded to make sure that it is South Island is absolutely priceless.” EVENTS 2019 Mark your Calendar! PAGE 7 Linings #66 | PAGE Silver MARCH APRIL MAY

Invercargill M Factor Ronald McDonald House Supper Club Fashion Show Family Appeal March 29 April 4 Friday, May 10

This iconic mystery dining experience is Ready, set, fashion! This year's highly SAVE THE DATE! The Ronald back! Be in quick to secure your table for anticipated M Factor Fashion Show McDonald House Family Appeal is the second Supper Club to hit Southland, is going to be held at The Tannery in hitting the streets on Friday, May 10. with all proceeds going directly to Christchurch. We will be looking for supporting the Ronald McDonald Family superstar collectors from across the South Island. Room, Southland Hospital.

ANNUAL APPEAL

JUNE JUNE JULY

ASB Christchurch Christchurch Host-a-Roast Marathon Supper Club July 1- 31 June 2 June 21

Ready, set, run for a cause! We are A chance to experience the finest dining Crank up the oven, invite the gang for thrilled to be chosen once again as destinations Christchurch has to offer. dinner, and Host a Roast for families the official charity partner for this year's Keep an eye on our website for updates this winter! event, so why not run to raise funds for and to secure your table of eight for this families? unique mystery dining event.

TO FIND OUT MORE and secure your OCTOBER NOVEMBER spot at these incredible events, visit Queenstown A Day at www.rmhsi.org.nz/events Supper Club the Polo October 18 December 7

A chance to experience the finest dining A highlight on the fundraising calendar destinations the Queenstown-Lakes - you do not want to miss this award- District has to offer – Supper Club 2019 winning summer day out of riveting is not to be missed. polo at the Port Hills Polo Club, Tai Tapu.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE FAMILY APPEAL FRIDAY, MAY 10 NEW & RENEWED » Our Families « ROOM SPONSORS: CHRISTCHURCH HOUSE: In 2018, we provided free accommodation for 1,203 family visits, supporting 29,238 heads on pillows. The average length of stay was seven nights. (This includes the Christchurch House and Southland Family Room. Statistics are calculated from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.)

Our most common diagnoses are

35% Neonatal 2% Ear, Nose and Throat WesthamIndustries Ltd

21% Oncology 2% Neurological

9% Antenatal 2% Respiratory FAMILY ROOM, 8% Surgical 2% Cystic Fibrosis SOUTHLAND HOSPITAL:

7% Psychological 2% Ophthalmology

3% Medical 2% Orthopaedic

3% Gastrointestinal 2% Accident

Our families come from TRUSTS & GRANTS: Canterbury 29% Southland 22% West Coast 18% Wellington 9% Otago 8% Queenstown & Lakes 6% Nelson 4% Marlborough 2% Auckland 1% Pacifc Islands 1%

OUR PEOPLE: OUR SUPPORTERS:

BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOUSE MANAGER ACCOUNTS Paul Deavoll (Chairman) Heather Bakkenes ADMINISTRATOR Designed by Kipp Alexander (Treasurer) Bridget Mather TimeZoneOne FRONT OF HOUSE / Ph: 03 366 5229 Bruce Davis ADMINISTRATION HOUSEKEEPING www.timezoneone.com Mark Abbot Mary-Ann Roberts Kathy Oakes Janetta Skiba Megan Eden Irene Ernst Chris Youngman Printed by Spectrum Print Michelle Boon Dave Whalley AFTER HOURS Ph: 03 365 0946 www.spectrumprint.co.nz Jock Muir FUNDRAISING SUPERVISOR MANAGER Jan Nottingham YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Jemma Balmer Katherine Allen FAMILY ROOM Our sincere thanks to Pub Charity for their generous grant which EVENTS & FUNDRAISING SUPERVISOR Maddy Surie funded the design and production ADVISOR Helen Walker CHIEF EXECUTIVE of this newsletter. Jodie Gill Mandy Kennedy

Ronald McDonald House South Island Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital 33 Cashel Street (Cnr Cashel and Montreal Streets) | Christchurch 8140 Kew Road | Invercargill 9840  03 377 3311  03 377 3414  [email protected]  03 214 8910  [email protected]