In May 2024, the Mudge family were preparing to welcome their third child into the world – a time that should have been filled with joy and celebration.
Just days before baby Elkie was born, their eldest daughter Ellie, only four years old at the time, woke up from a nap screaming in pain. Her parents, Aimee and Brent, rushed her to hospital, where scans revealed something no parent wants to hear – a tumour.
As they waited anxiously for answers, Elkie made her arrival. Four days later, the call came: Ellie had been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
Faced with the extremes of welcoming a newborn while fearing for their eldest child’s life, Aimee and Brent found themselves navigating a reality no parent is prepared for. But through it all, Ellie never gave up. She underwent major surgery to remove the tumour and part of her bladder, endured nine tough inpatient rounds of chemotherapy, six weekly chemo infusions, and 23 rounds of radiation without general anaesthetic.
“She has taken every impossible step and made it her own. She’s a true little Wonder Woman.”
Throughout this journey, RMHC SEQ has been a lifeline. From the very first hospital admission, RMHC SEQ provided the Mudge family with more than just accommodation – they provided them with a home where they could be together as a family. Having the entire family close during Ellie’s treatment was vital for her mental health and for her parents, who were juggling newborn life, hospital stays, and trying to maintain normalcy for their middle daughter, Ayla.
During treatment, Ellie’s grandmother decorated their South Brisbane House room with balloons and ribbons, transforming it into what Ellie now calls the “party house”. For a child who had begun to dread hospital visits, RMHC SEQ made her treatment feel magical.
The warmth and care from RMHC SEQ employees and volunteers made all the difference. From kind words and emotional support to programs like Meals from the Heart, the Mudge family were provided with comfort and care throughout the entirety of their journey.
“We used to be one of the lucky ones. Now we understand just how important Ronald McDonald House is. They provided us with a home, and a safe, enjoyable place to be through the darkest of times.”
Today, Ellie is back home in Tweed Heads and continuing her journey with maintenance chemotherapy. While the road ahead remains uncertain, her progress so far has been encouraging, and Ellie’s spirit remains strong.
The Mudge family’s story is just one of thousands that walk through our doors each year. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can continue to provide a home-away-from-home for families in need 365 days a year. Donate now to support families like the Mudge’s.
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