For Jack and Heidi from Gracemere in Central Queensland, life changed in an instant when a routine pregnancy scan revealed that their first baby, Caius (Cai), was not growing as he should. The radiographer also noticed frequent desats (blood oxygen levels dropping), prompting an urgent referral to Rockhampton Hospital. Within hours, doctors were in consultation with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), and it became clear that Cai needed specialised care down south.
By 8am the following morning, Heidi was airlifted by Royal Flying Doctor Service to Brisbane, while Jack followed later on a commercial flight. Heidi remained under close monitoring throughout the night as the medical team worked hard to keep Cai stable for as long as possible. But at 4am on Thursday 16 October, Cai experienced another significant desat. This time, he did not recover as quickly as doctors hoped, and an emergency C-section was the safest option.
“As first-time parents, we had no idea what to expect. Being rushed to Brisbane, and then, less than 12 hours later, taken in for an emergency C-section made it an incredibly overwhelming experience. Those 24 hours were some of the most intense in our lives.”
At 5am, Cai entered the world – ten weeks early, weighing just 846 grams and measuring 35cm long. His gender was also a surprise to his parents, discovered only at the moment of his birth. Despite his tiny size, he arrived with the spirit of a fighter.
Cai spent eight weeks in NICU at RBWH, supported by CPAP, high-flow oxygen, and the safety of an incubator while he grew and strengthened. Nurses affectionately called him a ‘model student’ as he steadily hit every milestone.
Throughout this emotional and uncertain time, Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland became a lifeline for the family. For almost two months, Herston House became their home – removing the financial and emotional strain of long-distance commuting and giving them the stability they desperately needed.
“We cannot speak highly enough of Ronald McDonald House. Every day we were greeted with smiles from staff and volunteers, creating a genuinely warm and comforting place to return to. On days when we came back from the hospital completely exhausted, the meals and treats from the Meals from the Heart Program meant the world to us. Those were the best days. It’s the small things that matter most sometimes.”
Today, the family is finally back home in Gracemere, settling into life as a family of three. Cai is thriving, needing only routine developmental follow-ups as he continues to grow into a healthy little boy.
The Farlow’s believe there will never be words big enough to express what Ronald McDonald House has given them. They encourage the community to show their support by making a donation, knowing firsthand just how much it can help families through life’s most challenging moments.
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