Just after 2 a.m. in the first week of September, four-month-old Tobias woke with a fever—marking the beginning of a journey no family should ever have to face. Only a day earlier, he was a bright and bubbly baby, doted on by his parents, Katie and Steven, and his three older siblings. At first, Katie believed it was simply teething—“that’s what babies do,” she thought. But when a rash appeared just hours later, she and Steven immediately called an ambulance.
Within the hour, Tobias was admitted to Cairns Base Hospital. Three hours later, a specialised retrieval team transported him and Katie to Townsville University Hospital. The diagnosis was heart-breaking: meningococcal disease. His only chance of survival required an unthinkable decision—amputation of both his arms and legs. “There was no choice for us,” Katie and Steven recall. “The only choice was—do we let him live, or do we let him pass on?”
As they endured the agonising wait, hoping Tobias would survive both the illness and the surgery, RMHC North Australia was able to offer stability, compassion, and care. For the next six months, Katie and Steven were able to stay just minutes from the hospital, enabling them to remain with Tobias. Their other children were able to visit, helping the family remain connected during their most difficult days.
“It was a lifesaver,” Katie reflects. “We had everything we needed—somewhere close by to stay, meals, and genuine support. If we needed something, they found a way. The smiles, the welcomes—it was a community within walls.”
Tobias is now home and embracing his “new normal.” Katie shares, “We wouldn’t have made it through without the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.”
Parents never know when their child will need urgent medical care, but they should always be able to rely on the support they need in times of crisis. With your help, we can ensure families have access to essential care and resources throughout their journey, offering the support that truly makes a difference during difficult times.
