When this pair of twins—Nicole Lee and her sister Charlotte Lee, born in 2012—were still in their mother’s womb, the family received significant news. Nicole, the younger sister, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as a pulmonary arteria with ventricular septal defect. This meant that from the moment she was born, she would embark on a long and challenging medical journey.
Due to their father’s job relocation, the family had moved to Singapore several years earlier. However, Nicole still required regular visits back to the Queen Mary Hospital and the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for ongoing treatment. Last year, when her blood oxygen levels dropped, the medical team determined that a complex and in-depth surgery was necessary, which would require the entire family to stay in Hong Kong for an extended period.
Without a fixed residence in Hong Kong and the added challenge of caring for both daughters, the parents felt overwhelmed. It was during this time of worry that friends introduced them to the Ronald McDonald House in Hong Kong. They promptly contacted a medical social worker and successfully applied for a stay. This decision not only addressed their urgent accommodation needs but also provided the comforting assurance of a warm “home away from home,” embodying how the essence of “family” transcends geographical boundaries.
Dad shared sentimentally, “The environment here is wonderful. We’ve met many family members who share a similar age and background.” For him, the most meaningful aspect of the House is that it allows the family to stay connected during difficult times—“Keeping families close.”
Nicole’s surgery was extraordinarily complex, lasting seventeen hours. Following the operation, she was monitored in the ICU for over a week. During that time, Mom and elder sister Charlotte settled into the House first. For Charlotte, it was not merely a temporary shelter but a vibrant community of support. She engaged in various activities, played with volunteers and other children, and particularly enjoyed a warmer and more meaningful Christmas holiday than they had anticipated. Mom noticed with relief that although Nicole’s recovery was slow, she became noticeably more active in the safe environment of the House, walking with greater willingness and eager to interact with other children.
The sisters share a profound bond, with Charlotte always keeping a watchful eye on Nicole. Within the House, they discovered their own special corners: Charlotte, who has been learning the violin and piano since childhood, cherishes the music room where she can practise; Nicole enjoys the dining area, often playing with other children. For Mom, the House provided more than just a physical space—it transformed into a close-knit community filled with understanding and mutual support.
Though their stay was brief, Mom profoundly felt the love and sense of belonging that permeated the House. This family’s story is a testimony to the fact that love and support know no boundaries. For them, the Ronald McDonald House was not simply a temporary refuge during medical treatment; it became a haven where a family crossing borders for care could uplift one another, face illness with courage, and find solace. Though Nicole will continue to require regular check-ups in the future, this warm experience that transcended geography has already imbued the entire family with renewed courage and hope.
