"We were never alone": Thalles’ Story

With the Christmas period approaching and their due date imminent, this was meant to be the most joyful time for first-time parents, Gabriella and Ricardo. Pregnancy scans had shown a healthy baby throughout, so it came as a huge shock to them both when baby Thalles was born with severe tracheomalacia – a condition that causes the trachea (windpipe) to weaken or collapse while breathing. For Thalles, this led to several additional airway complications, and the weeks and months following his birth involved multiple procedures, surgeries, and countless trips to the operating theatre.

During this traumatic time, the family could rely on Ronald McDonald House Manchester to provide a sanctuary – a place surrounded by love and support during this challenging period. Ronald McDonald House Charities UK was a true lifeline for Gabriella and Ricardo throughout the first four months of Thalles’ life.

Throughout my pregnancy, I was told I had a healthy baby, and scans showed no signs of complications. So, to be told when Thalles was born that his airways would collapse whenever he tried to breathe on his own, was devastating. Thalles was diagnosed with tracheomalacia – a medical condition in which the windpipe is weak and collapses, particularly during exhalation, causing breathing difficulties. As a result, he underwent countless procedures and operations within his first few weeks of life. Those months were filled with long days, sleepless nights, and constant worry, but we never left his side.

We felt completely out of control. We had to place our baby in the hands of nurses and doctors we had only just met, trusting them to do what they knew best. It left us feeling extremely vulnerable, having to rely on others to care for the most precious gift of our lives. Throughout every setback and sleepless night, we held on to hope, surrounded by the love and support of our family, church, the medical team, and the staff at Ronald McDonald House Manchester.

Within the first few days of our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay, we were told we could use the facilities at Ronald McDonald House – a place for us to stay during Thalles’ time in hospital. It came as such a relief to know that a place like this existed for families like ours. When we first stepped into the House, we instantly felt a sense of safety, care, and relief, as though the weight we had been carrying was suddenly lifted. We were able to step away from the constant beeping of monitors and we could shower, eat, rest, and simply breathe. It provided a space for us to recharge so we could return to our baby with renewed strength and peace.

Spending the Christmas period visiting our baby in hospital was especially hard – a time that should have been filled with joy and celebration instead became one of worry and uncertainty. Nevertheless, the Ronald McDonald House made this period in our lives that bit easier. We had so many special moments in the House, but one I’ll never forget was waking up on Christmas morning to find gifts waiting at our doorstep, a delicious Christmas dinner, games, and an overall sense of togetherness that we deeply needed.

Beyond that, the simple joy of coming back from a long day in the NICU to a warm meal, a quiet space, and kind faces who genuinely cared meant the world to us. The House became more than accommodation; it truly felt like a ‘home away from home’. We were surrounded by so many families in similar situations to our own – we shared stories, tears, and hope. Those connections reminded us that we were never alone.

Being at the Ronald McDonald House had such a positive impact on our family. It allowed us to stay close to our son in the NICU and be there for him at any moment if anything changed. We had everything we needed during this time under one roof – a comfortable room, laundry facilities, meals, and, most importantly, emotional support. We were welcomed into a community that was there to lift us up. The staff were incredibly kind and understanding, and the other families truly felt like our extended family. The House gave us stability, comfort, and connection when life felt so uncertain.

Without the Ronald McDonald House, I honestly don’t know what we would have done. We live far from the hospital, so travelling back and forth every day would have been exhausting and costly. We probably would’ve taken turns sleeping in waiting rooms just to be close to our baby. Having a room at the House lifted that heavy weight off our shoulders. It gave us rest, comfort, and the chance to focus fully on our son’s recovery. We stayed there for four months, from November to March. Those months became such a big part of our journey.

Leaving was emotional. We were overjoyed to finally take our baby home, but it was hard to say goodbye to a place that had held us so closely. The staff and other families had become like family to us. My advice to others is to take each day as it comes and give yourself grace. Lean on those around you and never lose hope. For anyone thinking of donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities – please do. Your support gives families like ours a home, hope, and the strength to keep going.