Thank you to those of you who attended and we are grateful to our hosts, Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane for putting on a wonderful event. We heard from two wonderful mothers, Jasmin and Ajay, about their family experiences with our charity partners.
The Gift of Communication
Jasmin shared her son Luke's journey at AEIOU Foundation. Luke was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and after struggling with varied forms of therapy to help her son, Jasmin discovered AEIOU and her world was transformed. Luke learned how to communicate using pictures and just recently, has completed toilet training so that he can join in with other kids his age as he progresses to a new school environment in a few years.
For Jasmin's family, this has meant that she can enjoy time with her son and know that she has the tools to help him communicate and cope with the disorder. It has also brought her family closer and she watch her son lovingly interact with her younger daughter, something she never thought she'd see.
Home Away From Home
Ajay shared the story of her journey of heartbreak to salvation with Ronald McDonald House. After being transported from Central Queensland to Townsville just days after her second daughter was born with rare complications, her family and extended family received support and refuge at the Ronald McDonald House Townsville while their daughter fought for her life in hospital. Sadly, their baby girl did not win that battle and passed away with her family around her. Despite her sadness, Ajay was grateful that RMH embraced her family and helped them through this terrible time. Just a few years later, they had another child suffering from a rare disorder which brought them to Brisbane and again to Ronald McDonald House, this time in Herston. The family spent 11 months at the House, moving back and forth from hospital to the home away from home that had become regular to them. Again, tragedy struck this family and their son did not survive after treatment. Having lost two children, Ajay found resolve by volunteering at the South Brisbane house just 2 days after it opened last year. Giving back to the charity that gave so much to her family has helped her recover from her grief and as of today, Ajay is now a member of the full time staff at Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane as one of the family liaisons with the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.
Both charities we support in Queensland have done amazing work for kids in need and we are proud to support their projects and programs once again in 2018. Funds raised from the event will go towards refurbishing two early intervention centres north of Brisbane for AEIOU Foundation and to complete the fit-out of the final three floors of the South Brisbane House for Ronald McDonald House charities.
The Queensland Chain Reaction Challenge aims to raise over $1.2 Million. You can support a rider, team or the event overall by visiting the event page here.
