Family Photo Gallery

Family Story: Laura Campbell

This is the story of one of our guests, Laura Campbell; an insight into the journey her life has taken since her diagnosis. There are many heart wrenching consequences of serious childhood sickness that confront families on a daily basis. Laura is the first of many family stories we will bring you: stories of struggle, triumph and human emotion in the face of great life changes.

From Laura:

My story is both an unfortunate and fortunate experience.

Unfortunately back in February 2003, after a bout of severe headaches and vomiting our local GP ordered routine cat scans to check that everything was ok, the results of which meant an urgent dash to the Canberra Hospital. This is when I was diagnosed with two brain tumours, one behind the left eye and the other in the left ventricle of the brain.

I underwent four major operations involving the placement of a drain then the insertion of a shunt and finally, the delicate de-bulking of both tumours, this was necessary to give the radiotherapy a better chance of success.

Along that journey we got to know many doctors and nurses, of whom I can’t speak highly enough of their dedication to care and attention.

During this period I missed close to 3 months of schooling in which I was still to complete my yr 10 School Certificate. Ronald McDonald offered me their learning program in which I obtained tuition from a local tutor which assisted me in staying in my top classes at school and obtaining a descent mark in my School Certificate

As I mentioned earlier, the last two operations were the de-bulking of tumour no.1 and 2, this was necessary so as to give the radiotherapy a better chance of success.

The seven week course of radiotherapy commenced around mid may 2004 and continued to early July at the Randwick Children’s Hospital.
While there we stayed at Ronald McDonald house where we made many friends among the staff and other patients from around Australia.

We were fortunate to make many friends with other inpatients who, like me, were unlucky enough to be there at the same time. We got to share stories and support and develop a special bond with these people, forming relationships that still continue today.

During my treatment I was fortunate to be invited to make a wish through the Make a Wish Foundation.
I’ve been a great supporter of George Gregan and the Wallabies for years so I thought that it would be fantastic to go to Scotland (Dads homeland) and watch George and the team play.
So on the 20th of November 2004 I was in Glasgow to watch the Wallabies play Scotland at Hampden Park, the previous day I was invited to watch the Wallabies train at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, join in their team photo and sit in on their press conference.

We got to spend a week in Scotland catching up with family and friends who I hadn’t seen for a number of years, it was all a tremendous experience.

Another organisation was Camp Quality in which I’ve enjoyed many camps to Orange, Sydney, Lindeman Island and Melbourne. These people have offered great friendships and support so I am now giving back and have become a camp companion to offer the support and friendship that I received during my journey to another child.

While at Randwick we learnt of the existence of Fiona Lodge – the thought of a complete break with the whole family, especially on the coast, was really appealing. We were fortunate to have a week at this special place, the weather was fantastic for our stay in December 06, it was the best summer holiday ever.

I would like to personally thank the committee and everyone involved in the development and maintenance of Fiona Lodge, it plays a vital part in the healing process of the many families who have endured traumatic times.