When we first learnt of Luka's tumour, Southland Hospital estimated we would be in Christchurch for 4 - 6 weeks.
A few days later once the full extent of Luka's diagnoses started to come together, this was changed to 14 - 16 months.
While there is the huge impact on Luka, there has also been a big impact on us as a family. Within just a few hours we packed up a few suitcases and moved to Christchurch, ending up at Ronald McDonald House.
We really had no idea what Ronald did for families. We thought it was inside the hospital, like the small Ronald family room at Southland Hospital. In truth, it has blown our expectations.
Ronald McDonald House is a charity, not funded by government and reliant on the publics support and fundraising events, like the House to House Challenge.
We have been able to have Luka's grandparents and other family here. Meals are prepared by various businesses from around Canterbury and we have access to food & treats donated in and a full size kitchen 24/7. There is nothing better than coming home from a long day at hospital to find a full cooked meal waiting for you.
Ronald staff and volunteers have been there in moments many don't see. They were there when we had Luka's official diagnoses. There when we learnt he had lost 25% of his hearing due to chemo. They have been there with an extended arm and a hug in some pretty difficult times.
This is the perfect challenge for us to give back as a thanks for supporting Luka and our family over 2022 & 2023.
The House to House Challenge is a walk, run, swim or bike 210km in the month of March.
210km is the average distance between a family and a Ronald House in New Zealand.
For us this distance is 640km (between Te Anau and Christchurch) and by the end of Luka's treatment we would have taken 26 one way trips for a total of 16,640km.
Our goal for Luka's Team is to cover 16,640km by walking, running, swimming or biking, as well as raise at least $16,640 at the same time!
Really our fundraise goal is secretly a lot, lot higher so please either join our team by heading to this link and signing up, or a donation otherwise to Ronald would be much appreciated! Why not even both?!
Need help setting up your profile? Click here: Instructions
Want to download a poster for your friends or workplace? Click here: Poster
You can get friends, family or workmates to join you in the challenge, as well as getting the word out by sharing Luka's Team link https://housetohouse.org.nz/t/lukasteam to raise as much as we can for Ronald.
Thank you!
Katelyn, Toby & Luka.
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