AFTER being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, two-year-old Ben McGrath was placed on life support.
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Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, his parents Leanne and Mitch turned to the Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle so they could also care for nine-month-old son Jacob.
With the McGrath family continuing to grow through Thomas, Lindsay, and daughter Lucy, they fought to keep everyone together while Ben remained in hospital.
More than two decades later, Ben has now celebrated his 25th birthday alongside the house’s own quarter-of-a-century anniversary.
Mrs McGrath said her family was eternally grateful for the house’s support, love and atmosphere.
“The staff at Ronald McDonald House have supported us, given compassion in tough times and looked after my family during the many stays we’ve had,” she said.
“This is one of the many reasons why I’m so grateful to the staff and passionate about Ronald McDonald House.”
Well-known in the Upper Hunter, Ben was supported by the local community during his illness while attending Scone Public and Scone High School.
He eventually had radiation treatment on his brain tumour in 2000, which led to constant medial conditions and a hard struggle with epilepsy.
Despite Ben’s battles, he never complains.
“We are more than proud of Ben; his strengths, his courage and his compassion to others, he has a wicked sense of humour and we all just adore and love him,” Mrs McGrath said.
“[He] now works on his own day program and enjoys building army models, going to the movies and following St George [Illawarra] Dragons football team.
“He loves being close with his family, and he has such a special bond with his caring brothers and little sister.”
The Ronald McDonald House rely on people raising funds and generously giving donations to make it a home for families who are caring for a sick child.