The House That Supports Us

Having your child warded in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is probably one of the most stressful periods in a parent's journey.

If your child needs to be here, it is likely because he or she is seriously ill.

For parents, it's a harrowing roller coaster ride.

One day your child is happy at home, the next moment he or she is admitted to a regular ward.

Suddenly, things escalate and your child struggles to breathe.

Your child is rushed to ICU, and undergoes an emergency procedure to connect them to a ventilator that breathes for them. Heavily sedated, they can't respond to you.

Fear, uncertainty, confusion, gut-wrenching pain - all these emotions hit you all at once. Because you face the real possibility of losing the child you've given life to.

In such a situation, you don't think about leaving your child's side. You'll curl up and sleep fitfully in the chair next to your child. You lose your appetite. And weight. You burn out. You fall sick.

Which is why the first time I stepped into the Ronald McDonald Family Room just outside the NUH ICU, I just sat on the couch and broke down.

After a mad week starting with round-the-clock suctioning at home to Vera landing in the ICU, I was a stressed out ball of nerves. Being welcomed into an inviting family room gave me the much needed regular respite from the battle I was mentally fighting with her in ICU.

My husband Ian and I went on to spend nights sleeping on this couch. One morning, when doctors called to inform us that Vera's condition had suddenly worsened, we could rush to her side in less than a minute.

When doctors prepared us for the worst, we were lucky to be offered a room at the Ronald Mcdonald House.

At our most emotionally trying time, we had a "base camp" to retreat to, food we could help ourselves to and most importantly a bed to get proper sleep. All this at no cost.

It felt like a 'mini holiday' for Ian and I, at a time when we needed it most.

There's even a kid's room, so parents' other children can be kept occupied.

Before staying in the Ronald Macdonald House, I was unaware that there are parents who stay by their young child's side for MONTHS on end - basically living everyday life in a hospital.

Thanks to donors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, ranging from organisations to individuals, we parents get tangible support for us to soldier on and care for ourselves and our children.

Volunteers, security officers, cleaners help to upkeep the house, much like the work needed to maintain a motel. Funds are needed to repair or replace equipment and facilities, and to stock the kitchen.

Photo from Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore

So the next time you see this box at the counter when ordering McDonald's, you know your change is going towards supporting families facing their child's medical crisis.

To donate in cash or in kind or volunteer, visit www.rmhc.org.sg or email contact@rmhc.org.sg

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