Jordan is home for Christmas after surgery
BY PENNY WARDLE
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Being home for Christmas has extra special meaning for a Blenheim teenager who overcame a huge hurdle this year.
Jordan Johnston, 15, underwent major surgery at Christchurch Hospital in October and spent a week and a half in hospital, including two days in the high-dependency unit.
During that time, his family stayed at Ronald McDonald House, something his mother says made the experience a whole lot easier.
Jordan's mother, Julie Humfrey, planned to book a motel for that time but was delighted to be told she could stay at Ronald McDonald House, which accommodates the families of children and young people aged up to 20 requiring hospital treatment in Christchurch.
Ms Humfrey stayed at Ronald McDonald House while Jordan was in hospital, and was joined over the long weekend by her husband and youngest son, Luke. Jordan also stayed there before and after his operation and said it was a relief to be somewhere where people understood what he was going through.
The family moved from Britain 3 1/2 years ago and "we had no idea there was such a facility", Ms Humfrey said. "We were fortunate we were told and would like other families in the same position to know about the wonderful accommodation available and to thank the staff for the help they gave us."
The house was like a hotel, with wonderful rooms and a large kitchen with a cupboard stocked with donated food. There was also a "teenagers only" room, a children's playroom and a large living room. Everything was spotless, and town was only three minutes away.
Most nights volunteers came in to cook dinner, including staff from teen TV programme The Erin Simpson Show.
"Our eyes were opened to what people will do to help others through a troubled time, often for nothing," said Ms Humfrey. "I would have found it really difficult without the support we were given. When I came back to Ronald McDonald House from hospital, there were people to talk to, including family of other patients.
"Staff were so supportive; they were brilliant."
A nice touch for children was that Ronald McDonald lived at the house, disappearing to his own room at the end of the day and reappearing the next morning in in full clown regalia.
"I thought Jordan had been affected by the drugs he'd been given when he told me `Ronald McDonald lives here'," said Ms Humfrey. Staying at Ronald McDonald House, Jordan and his mum met families who had lived there for months.
Jordan's looking forward to Christmas at home tomorrow and a visit from his grandparents, who will fly in from Scotland next month. They will no doubt be delighted to hear that their grandson is now strong enough to play his bagpipes again.
In the New Year, the year 10 Nelson College student is looking forward to getting back into mountainbiking.
- The Marlborough Express
