• Jo Delamare’s daughter, Kaimarlia, was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition requiring multiple surgeries.
• Ronald McDonald House provided crucial support, accommodating the family during Kaimarlia’s treatments in Auckland.
• RMHC NZ helped a record 4452 families in 2023, but may struggle to meet future demand.

Whānau are everything to Jo Delamare.

The mum and grandmother has 16 children and grandchildren, with two more on the way soon.

Daughter Kaimarlia, now 7 years old, was only 18 months old when her life changed forever, resulting in many subsequent trips from Gisborne to hospital in Auckland.

Ronald McDonald House was to play a crucial role in providing some stability in whānau life.

Kaimarlia had always breathed “funny”, but doctors couldn’t pinpoint why.

After seeing a paediatrician, she was rushed to Starship, the national children’s hospital.

She was diagnosed with laryngotracheal stenosis, a condition that dangerously narrows the trachea.

Her breathing was critical, and she needed major surgery immediately.

Kaimarlia’s first surgery failed, leaving her on life support in paediatric ICU for four weeks, during which her bowel perforated twice.

“It was devastating,” says Jo.

“The unknown kills you – it was exhausting and scary.”

Kaimarlia eventually recovered but required a tracheostomy to breathe and has returned to Auckland annually for surgeries and treatment over the past six years.

“In that first year when she was really sick, we stayed for a long time,” Jo said.

Ronald McDonald House organised for the whole family – six children at that point – to stay.

“We were given two rooms with space to breathe, and it was just wonderful.”

It was usually Jo, Kaimarlia and her 8-year-old brother staying at Ronald McDonald House.

“The rest of my family would come and go.”

Over the years, Ronald McDonald House staff became their support system.

“They welcomed us with open arms – no questions asked,” Jo said to the Gisborne Herald.

Now Kaimarlia is doing much better, though her condition remains complex.

The family moved to Auckland on August 19 of this year to be closer to specialists, leaving behind their whānau for her safety.

Jo, Kaimarlia, her 8-year-old brother and her 19-year-old sister are living in Glen Eden.

“It’s tough, but we need to do this for Kaimarlia,” says Jo.

She has many fond memories of their time at Ronald McDonald House, especially over holiday periods.

“The attention they give to special days like Christmas makes everything feel a bit more normal.

“You’re given gifts and there’s a real sense of celebration.”

Jo treasures memories of Ronald McDonald holiday celebrations and appreciates the home-cooked meals.

“After a long day in the hospital, the last thing you want is to cook.

“Those meals were a godsend,” she says.

She recommends the McDonald’s charity “absolutely” to other families.

“They are definitely a home away from home.

“A lot of people would struggle if they did not exist.

“I know we would have.”

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Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand (RMHC) prepares for record demand this holiday season

The charity is preparing for an unprecedented level of demand, with a record number of families expected this Christmas to need support.

In 2023, RMHC NZ had its most impactful year to date, helping a record 4452 families and providing 42,000 nights of accommodation.

That compared with 3700 families in 2015.

Not a single eligible family was turned away – keeping a promise the charity has maintained since it first opened its doors 35 years ago.

The essential service provided by RMHC NZ to families would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, corporations, and organisations.

RMHC NZ chief executive Wayne Howet says the charity may not be able to keep up with demand in the coming years.

He asks the public to give their support to Kiwi families this Christmas by making an online donation to RMHC NZ.