THE Fullers hope to be home for Christmas, but these days, they tend to take each day as it comes.
The South West Rocks family have been staying at Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle on and off since four-year-old Vinnie was flown to John Hunter Children's Hospital in February after suffering a prolonged seizure. Vinnie has acute leukoencephalopathy with "restricted diffusion" - a condition so rare doctors believe it is the first time it has been seen in Australia.
Vinnie, who now uses a wheelchair and can suffer up to 20 seizures a day, is the "face" of this year's Christmas Appeal. Twelve local businesses will match community donations made to for Ronald McDonald House until the end of the year. Vinnie's mother, Nicole, said while Vinnie was in hospital their extended family had been able to celebrate birthdays, Mother's Day and Easter - together - thanks to Ronald McDonald House.
"It will be the same for Christmas, if we need it," she said. "They help keep families together at a time when they really need it."
To donate to the appeal, click here.
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