In Roma, Central Queensland, life moves at a gentler place. The Macfarlane family always cherished the sense of community, the friendly faces, and the peace that comes with living out in the bush. But when their son Jack arrived far earlier than expected, their world shifted dramatically.
At just 16 weeks into pregnancy, scans revealed that Jack was underweight and growth restricted. By 25 weeks, his mother Bridgette was admitted to Mater Mother’s Hospital for close monitoring, and not long after, Jack was born at 27 weeks. Those early days were filled with fear and anxiety. Jack’s father John, found himself torn between supporting his family in Brisbane and managing everything back home in Roma, including the financial pressures that came with such a sudden upheaval.
“Jack wasn’t expected to survive. I remember calling John saying, you need to come here now. We’ve been told things could change very quickly.”
Being born so prematurely meant Jack needed intensive support. He was placed on oxygen and ventilation, required a feeding tube, and underwent multiple surgeries, including hernia repairs and blood transfusions. He spent time in the ICU and had ongoing challenges with growth and development
Adjusting to life in Brisbane was another challenge layered on top of the medical stress. For a family used to the quiet rhythms of Roma, the city felt overwhelming. Navigating public transport and city traffic was a far cry from the single set of traffic lights back home. The hospital itself was vast and unfamiliar, and the logistics of getting from place to place added a new level of anxiety. Once the family were able to move from Ronald McDonald Herston House to the South Brisbane House, life became much easier. They could just walk over to the hospital, drop off breast milk, and spend long hours by Jack’s bedside, which brought a sense of calm and stability during a chaotic time.
For Bridgette and John, RMHC SEQ became a lifeline. Their stay across Herston House and South Brisbane House totaled 248 days during Jack’s initial hospitalisation. Since then, they’ve returned for nine outpatient visits, each lasting several days, and expect to continue relying on the organisation for future appointments.
Programs like Meals from the Heart, visits from therapy dogs, neck and shoulder massages from volunteers, and even opportunities to meet sporting heroes gave the Macfarlane’s comfort during some of the hardest days. Just as importantly, they connected with other families going through similar experiences, leaning on one another for strength and understanding.
“The team at RMHC SEQ really go out of their way to make you feel good during such horrible times. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity and care – we'd be absolutely lost without them.”
Jack still has more surgeries and ongoing treatments, but through it all he has and continues to show incredible determination. Today at two years old, he is energetic, intelligent, and full of personality – whether that’s helping in the kitchen, talking up a storm, or being ‘monster truck crazy’. The family never thought they’d reach this point, but thanks to the support of RMHC SEQ, they are together, hopeful and looking forward to the future.
The Macfarlane’s journey is a powerful reflection of how RMHC SEQ cares for families from every corner of Queensland – including those from rural and remote communities – ensuring that no matter where you come from, you have a place of comfort and care when you need it most.
To support more families across all of Queensland, donate today. Every contribution makes a real difference.
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