It’s been a whirlwind year for the Huntley family of Marlborough.

After 72 nights on-and-off at Ronald McDonald House South

Island, and the successful completion of son Manaia’s treatment

for a brain tumour, it’s hard not to reflect on their journey.

“We had been worried for some time that something wasn’t quite

right as Manaia was getting lots of what we thought were vomiting

bugs. His energy levels were decreasing and he was suffering from

headaches and disturbed sleep,” Mum Laura said.

Soon after, things took a turn for the worse.

“One Saturday he’d been staying at a friend’s house and when he got

home I just couldn’t get him to wake up properly. He couldn’t focus

and hold a conversation and was sloping over to one side. At that

point I picked him up and rushed him to the after-hours surgery who

sent him to A&E.” They found what appeared to be a tumour in the

pineal gland at the centre of his brain.

“Within a few hours, we were flown to The National Children's Hospital

for surgery to relieve the build up of fluid. A biopsy confirmed that

the mass was definitely a cancerous tumour, and we were flown to

Christchurch to begin treatment.”

While in Christchurch for chemotherapy, the family stayed at

Ronald McDonald House.

“Walking into the House, it is an overwhelming feeling. I had heard

that it was where families stayed, but I didn’t know the extent of the

support there, the pantries being stocked, people cooking every

night and the caring staff”, Laura said.

The ability to stay at the Christchurch House for free became even

more important as Manaia prepared to undertake radiation treatment

– 24 sessions over five weeks.

“Before he was diagnosed, he was having very vivid dreams

and he had a bad experience in an MRI machine before his

surgery. It’s big, loud, noisy, quite scary, and he fell asleep inside.

While asleep he was hallucinating and he woke up freaking out -

he had no idea where he was. So he’s had anxiety about scanners

and machines ever since".

Keeping families close™ www.rmhsi.org.nz | Ronald McDonald House South Island | @RMHSouth

SUMMER 2019 / NEWSLETTER #69

Cont. page 2

??????

MANAIA HUNTLEY A REAL LIFE SUPERHERO

The gift of closeness this ChristmasPage 7

Selling Houses & supporting a Home - Ray White Page 6

Blokes & bubbas on Father’s DayPage 5

If Manaia was unable to overcome this anxiety before his radiation began, he

would need to be sedated for every treatment, something that would have made

his recovery much more difficult, Laura said.

Staff at Christchurch Hospital suggested Manaia undertake play therapy with

the radiation team to help face his fear. “We had four or five sessions of play

therapy, where they encouraged Manaia to play with the equipment and build

trust between him and the radiation therapists. We were due to go home and he

still wasn’t happy so the staff asked if we wanted to stay longer to do more play

therapy sessions. They could see the potential of him getting over his anxiety if

given more time.”

For three weeks, Manaia continued with the play therapy sessions.

“If we weren’t able to stay at the House, he would have had to have his radiation

treatment under general anaesthetic, I’m 100 percent certain of that.”

“We would’ve come down to plan his treatment, and got Manaia comfortable with

the machine, but we definitely could not have afforded the accommodation and

other costs of the three weeks of play therapy sessions,” Laura said.

During this time, Laura got to know other families staying at the Christchurch

House, and a conversation with another mother led to the final puzzle piece which

saw Manaia overcome his fear. She told Laura about how a radiation therapist

had painted her son’s mask to look like Spiderman. Hoping this might help with

Manaia’s anxiety, they requested his mask be painted like his favourite superhero,

the Black Panther.

It worked.

“It was amazing how it flipped. The radiation therapist would say to him, every time

the mask goes near him, it gives him superpowers, because of the radiation.”

As time went on, Manaia would jump at the chance to put on his mask - he said he

could feel the strength and his superhero powers going in with it on.

The turnaround in Manaia, from being so fearful to actually wanting to have the

treatment, was one of the most significant staff at Christchurch Hospital had seen.

“The House has been a massive part in our journey. Manaia’s Christchurch-based

treatments were the easy part of the past year for me,” says Laura. “I would look

forward to catching up with other families. Manaia’s siblings loved hanging out

at the House playing with new friends and having pudding every night! Manaia’s

Dad knew that we were all being well looked after when away from home. We

are eternally grateful to the House and the wonderful team who make the

House a home.”

The Huntley Family

As time went on, Manaia would jump at the chance to put

on his radiation mask - he said he could feel

the strength and his superhero powers going in with it on.

» House Happenings «

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1. SpookyVille Halloween Dinner. The Ronald McDonald

House turned into SpookyVille for Halloween this year.

Families and team were treated to an incredible array of spooky

food made by the expert chefs from The George Hotel, lead by

Executive Chef Antony Page. The creepy menu featured zombie

hotdogs, brain bhajees, ghostly cake, lychee eyeballs and other

freaky food. It was a fun evening enjoyed by all.

2. Supporters’ Breakfast. Our annual Supporters’ Breakfast

was once again a delicious occasion. The event was held with

the support of the Rydges Latimer Square, and was a lovely way

to say a HUGE heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful volunteers

and supporters who give so generously to help the families we

serve at the Christchurch House.

3. Father’s Day. A special surprise was left for our Fathers in

the House and Family Room on Father’s Day. A goody bag full

of treats was kindly sponsored by Smiths City to make sure the

Dads don’t miss out on those special celebrations.

4. Spring Clean. We were grateful for a team of incredibly

generous cleaning companies who donated their time and

equipment in August to clean the flooring in our communal areas.

Many thanks to Eamonn from Extreme Carpet Cleaning and the

wonderful staff from Total Floor Care Clean, Dry Carpet Cleaning

Christchurch, Action Carpet Cleaning and Advanced Carpet

Cleaning. It’s still sparkling now!

3

Photo: CM Photography Photo: CM Photography

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VOLUNTEER ROLES AVAILABLE

DJ Mama C aka Caitlin Millar has been pumping out sweet tunes with Radio

Lollipop for the last six years. Based in a caravan at Christchurch Hospital,

Caitlin and her fellow Lollipop-ers provide evening entertainment for children

both inside the Hospital and two evenings a week at Ronald McDonald House

South Island. The team operate a radio station where patients can request songs,

enter competitions, tell their favourite jokes and listen to music just for them.

The team offer families the opportunity to meet in a communal area, play games,

cards or do some craft, although Caitlin admits, Connect Four is not a game she

can ever win.

At the House, Play-Doh is a favourite and the team enjoy the homely environment

and being able to play with the kids in the outdoor courtyard, something they

can’t do at the Hospital.

“Radio Lollipop is such a gift; no matter what is going on in your day, once you

put the Lollipop jersey on and see the children, you can smile and know you are

being a welcome distraction for them.” The new Hagley building at Christchurch

Hospital will have a little studio to house DJ Mama C and her amazing crew of

volunteers in 2020.

Volunteer Spotlight A veteran and a rookie: Our volunteers are hands down, the best! Without these incredible

people gifting their talents, time and care, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the services we

do. Many of our volunteers have been with us for a number of years while others are beginning

their journey. We profile a House volunteer veteran of 15 years, Barbara Robertson, alongside

one of our newer volunteers, Kitty Eglinton.

Caitlin (right) and her team at Ronald McDonald House

“I started volunteering at the House in 2004. Back then I was

working at a school and would come on Fridays for a couple

of hours. I retired not long after and Friday afternoons at the

House became my new ‘job’ and my new gym regime - I

walk all over the House so it keeps me fit. I love helping

out with the housekeeping, I’ve done lots of things over the

years but housekeeping is my thing. Sometimes Leanne and

I will make up a room, stand back and admire our work. It’s

really satisfying.

There is a special feeling at the House and over the years this

has never changed. I feel the warmth, the care and support

for the families when I’m there and I like being able to help

people at a time when they need it most.”

Barbara Robertson

15 years of volunteer service at the House

“I always thought it was cool that one of my colleagues was a

volunteer at Ronald McDonald House South Island. When she

moved overseas earlier this year I realised the House would have

a gap in the volunteer team and knew this was something I could

fill. I now come in weekly and tidy common areas, clean, do the

rubbish and just generally get the House ready for the next day.

For the families I meet here, their situations are serious and for

that reason, the House could be a sad and dark place. But it’s

really the opposite, it’s a warm and friendly Home and I am so

glad I can be a part of that. If I can make someone’s day easier

then I’m happy to help. I love meeting people and connecting

with the kids. I often think I get more out of being here than I

give and inevitably go home with a grateful perspective on my

own life.”

Kitty Eglinton

Six months of volunteer service at the House

Radio Lollipop - The station making things a bit sweeter

Our amazing volunteers do an incredible job each and everyday. We are however, on the hunt for volunteers who could give time to help with some very specific tasks.

Check out the opportunities at: rmhsi.org.nz/ways-to-help/

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» What's Going On Down South «The latest happenings from the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital

Blokes and their Bubbas

From July to October, the Family Room gratefully received home

cooked dinners for families, thanks to sponsorship led by Kim

Watters and the generous team at NZAS LAB team. Over this

time, and in conjunction with Julie MacDonald from Dinner Club

Invercargill, over 191 hot meals have been delivered. A huge thank

you to both these supporters for keeping families fueled at a time

when they needed to focus on their child.

The LAB sponsorship has come to an end and the Family Room

is now looking for new opportunities to partner with a social club,

corporate team or individuals who can support the continued

delivery of the Dinner programme.Julie MacDonald from Dinner Club Invercargill hands a meal to Helen Walker from the Southland Family Room.

Family Room Dinner Programme in need of new sponsor

Every day we are privileged to meet many courageous mothers,

fathers and children who face challenging circumstances with

great fortitude. This Father’s Day the Family Room supported

three Southern men who were embarking on their journey of

Fatherhood. With their babies all born prematurely, these Dads

were able to share the early days of this journey together.

David Beel from Tapanui shares his story.

“Our little boy Ezekiel was born prematurely at 31 weeks in Dunedin

Hospital. Ezekiel was transferred to Southland Hospital once he was

stable enough. We arrived and the nurses

in NNU were already talking to Helen

Walker, the Family Room Supervisor, to

sort accommodation in the Ronald

McDonald Family Room. I didn’t even

know it existed but it was the most

amazing place we could ever have

asked for.”

"Having the Family Room meant

that Sara could be close to our baby

and spend as much time with him as

possible. It also meant that when I came

down on the weekends I was able to spend a

lot more quality time with Ezekiel than if we had to stay in a motel.

It was also a place where we could go and have a coffee and chat

with other parents of NNU babies which really helped pass the time."

“Ronald McDonald Family Room was

our home away from home which we really

appreciated.”

"We have made some really good friends

from this time. Being a Father is awesome,

I can’t wait to get home from work to see

Ezekiel at the end of the day. I love seeing

him grow, finding his lungs and all his facial

expressions that are ever-changing.”

Left to right: David Beel, Kenny Vaugh & Craig Hoffman

Mark your Calendar!FEB MAR APR JUN OCT

Ray White Home & Garden Tour, Invercargill

Supper ClubInvercargill

MFactor Fashion Show - The Tannery, Christchurch

Supper Club Christchurch

Supper Club Queenstown

29SAT

27FRI

2THU

19FRI

16FRI

WANT TO VOLUNTEER OR SPONSOR A MEAL?For more information, go to https://rmhsi.org.nz/shop/

or email familyroom@rmhsi.org.nz

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» Out and About «

Selling Houses & Supporting a Home When your business is selling houses, you well know that a

house needs to be a home. Ray White Real Estate are one of

Ronald McDonald House’s National Partners, volunteering their

time, talents and resources for our Annual Appeal, Family Dinner

Programme, auctioneering at fundraising events and more.

Jane Meyer, Ray White’s South Island Business Performance

Manager, champions Ronald McDonald House South Island and

encourages franchisees to get behind our organisation.

“We love giving back to our local community, and what better way

than to support Ronald McDonald House South Island?

Our involvement with the House connects us to the wider

community and gives our salespeople a sense of pride at being

able to help a very important Home,” says Jane.

A family-owned business, Jane says the values of Ronald

McDonald House align well with Ray White’s strong family culture.

“Knowing that we have helped families at a very difficult time is

very humbling. We sell homes to create memories but we love

being able to support a home environment for people at a time of

greatest need.”

Friday October 18th was an evening of glitz and glam at

Skyline for the Queenstown Supper Club. The event raised a

record-breaking $97,000.

Alongside the stunning Chefs, venues and restaurants, it will be

hard to forget the remarkable gift from the raffle winner who

re-gifted the Diamond Halo necklace from Partridge Jewellers to

be spontaneously auctioned.

The beautiful playhouse created by Rilean Construction reaching

$8,000 and the overwhelming response from guests shown to

'Support a Family' made it a night to remember.

A huge heartfelt thanks to Linli and Madi Lovelock for sharing

their story and to all the Chefs, venues, suppliers, auction item

donors and table buyers who made this such a special event.

Queenstown Supper Club

Our gratitude to the special group of volunteers who sold commemorative and collectable pins at Cup Day on the 12th of November.

A stunning fashion event in support of Ronald McDonald House. This fun filled evening focused on tips for achieving key looks for the summer and proceeds from tickets were donated back to the House.

CUP DAY 2019

This summer we thank Ray White

for these incredible initiatives.

• Ray White Morris and Co Rangiora

team for collecting at the Rangiora

A&P Show.

• Ray White Full Circle, who have

created a donation campaign and an auction gala with

the aim of raising money for the Christchurch House’s

kitchen refurbishment.

• Ray White South Island will be hosting a marquee with a

lounge area at The South Island Wine & Food Festival in

Hagley Park on December 7th. Funds raised will go

towards the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at

Christchurch Hospital.

• Ray White Invercargill are already well into planning the

stunning Ray White Home and Garden Tour in February

2020, with all funds being generously donated to the

Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital.

For tickets, visit houseandgardentour.co.nz

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Welcome to our HomeTHE PLAYROOM

KINDLY SPONSORED BY CHATEAU MARLBOURGH

Lynley McKinnon and Grandson Heath with CEO of Chateau Marlborough, Brent Marshall.

“A great space to form friendships & have fun”“My Grandson was receiving treatment at Christchurch Hospital which

meant our family stayed at Ronald McDonald House South Island

for the best part of four months. We were so thankful to have a room

close to the hospital allowing us to be together. I don’t think I really

fully understood the wonderful work until we personally needed the

House. The staff were fabulous to our family and nothing was ever

a problem. I found this kindness and support so mind blowing and

wanted to be able to help.”

“During my family’s time in the House, I noticed the Playroom was a

space enjoyed by many of the children. It was such a great place for

children to come together, form friendships and have some fun.

On my return to Blenheim the CEO of Chateau Marlborough and I

agreed we would like to sponsor the Playroom, and we are so proud

to be doing this.” - Lynley McKinnon, General Manager,

Chateau Marlborough.

Sponsor a Wreath

For $500, you cover the cost of two nights’

accommodation, a Christmas feast, and a visit

from Santa for a family staying at the Ronald

McDonald House in Christchurch or Family Room

in Southland Hospital.

Buy a wreath and join our display which honours

our individual and corporate donors - it’s our

Christmas hall of fame. Share Christmas Aroha

and make a difference this festive season.

Visit rmhsi.org.nz/shop/

For a $30 donation you can download our beautiful

Christmas Letter template and get your whole family

involved. Draw a picture, write a letter, a poem or even

a song and address it with love to the families of Ronald

McDonald House. We’ll then pop the letters up around

the House or Family Room for all our families to read -

a great way to show your support this Christmas.

Visit rmhsi.org.nz/shop/

Being away from home at Christmas can be a challenging time. That’s why we, with the help of many generous

donors and supporters, go all out to make each Christmas a special season the families.

There are two ways you can help this Christmas:

The gift of closeness this Christmas

Aroha from your home this Christmas – Donate to Download

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OUR PEOPLE:

Peter Clarke Ph: 021 224 5058E: peter@roeprintservices.co.nz

OUR SUPPORTERS:

Our sincere thanks to Pub Charity for their generous grant, which funded the design and production of this newsletter.

NEW & RENEWED ROOM SPONSORS:CHRISTCHURCH HOUSE:

» Our Families «Families from all over New Zealand stay at our facilities while their children receive hospital care for many different reasons.

Sometimes they stay for one or two nights, but some families can be with us for many months. Here are our statistics for the third

quarter of 2019. We have served 242 families totalling 2,414 overnight stays. (Statistics calculated from 1 July 2019 – 30 September 2019)

Our most common diagnoses* are:

Designed by TimeZoneOne Ph: 03 366 5229 www.timezoneone.com

TRUSTS & GRANTS:

20% Neonatal

17% Surgical

11% Antenatal

7% Ear, Nose and Throat

6% Medical

6% Gastrointestinal

5% Psychological

4% Orthopaedic

4% Neurological

4% Oncology

3% Accident

3% Respiratory

3% Cystic Fibrosis

3% Ophthalmology

2% Renal, Liver & Kidney

2% Cardiac

*(if diagnosis is known)

Families come from

West Coast

Canterbury

Southland

Otago

Queenstown and Lakes

Marlborough

Nelson

North Island

Other

23%

17%

14%

6%

24%

5%

5%

5%

THE JONES FOUNDATION BILL & HELEN BISHOP

1%

Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital Kew Road | Invercargill 9840

03 214 8910 � familyroom@rmhsi.org.nz

Ronald McDonald House South Island 33 Cashel Street (Cnr Cashel and Montreal Streets) | Christchurch 8140

03 377 3311 03 377 3414 � admin@rmhsi.org.nz

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Paul Deavoll (Chairman) Dave Whalley (Deputy Chair) Kipp Alexander (Treasurer) Bruce Davis Mark Abbot Janetta Skiba Chris Youngman Jock Muir

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Katherine Allen Wendy Schmidt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Mandy Kennedy

HOUSE MANAGER Heather Bakkenes

FRONT OF HOUSE / ADMINISTRATION Megan Eden Mary-Ann Roberts Maureen March

COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR Tania Wright

FUNDRAISING MANAGER Jemma Balmer

FUNDRAISING ADVISOR Regan De Burgh

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING ADVISOR Jodie Gill

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR Bridget Mather

HOUSEKEEPING Kathy Oakes Leanne Carson

AFTER HOURS SUPERVISOR Jan Nottingham

FAMILY ROOM SUPERVISOR Helen Walker