The McRae family never imagined they would need the support of charities like Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland and Children's Hospital Foundation.
Like many families, they knew the names. What they didn't understand was the profound impact those organisations could have when a child's life changes in an instant.
When 13-year-old Lucy suffered a sudden brain bleed caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), she was rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital where she was placed in a coma and admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
What followed was months of uncertainty, determination and recovery, a journey that showed the McRae family the extraordinary difference that compassionate care and charity support can make.
An uncertain road ahead
Lucy had no prior health conditions, no warning signs and no indication that anything was wrong.
In the early hours of the morning, her parents found her collapsed at home. By the time she arrived at Queensland Children's Hospital, their lives had been turned upside down.
Lucy spent 17 days on life support in PICU, undergoing intensive treatment while her doctors worked tirelessly to manage the effects of the bleed and series of serious complications. During her hospital stay, she also battled pneumonia, influenza, rhinovirus, and other infections.
Among uncertainty, Lucy's family clung to hope.
"We just kept telling Lucy whilst she was in a coma 'you are brave, you are strong, you will prove them all wrong'"
Supported every step of the way
Throughout Lucy's 80-day hospital stay, the McRae family experienced first-hand the impact of the care, programs and support available through the hospital, Children's Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland.
From the PICU team who fought to keep Lucy alive, to the speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and rehabilitation specialists who supported her recovery, the hospital community became an extension of their family.
One program that made a lasting difference was music therapy, funded by Children's Hospital Foundation.
As a talented young musician, music became a powerful tool in Lucy's recovery. What began as gentle guitar sessions while she was in a coma evolved into therapy that helped support cognition, memory, movement and communication as she progressed through rehabilitation.
At the same time, Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland gave the family the opportunity to stay close when they needed it most.
For the first 17 days, while Lucy was critically ill, the family stayed at Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland within Queensland Children's Hospital. Later, when Lucy was discharged into an intensive day rehabilitation program, the family relocated to the South Brisbane House across the road. Here they were provided with the support and resources they needed to get through Lucy's recovery such as a warm bed, nutritious meals and caring community.
It meant they could focus less on logistics and more on Lucy.
Looking ahead
This year, Lucy's dad Anthony, is taking part in All Night Long to give back to the organisations that helped his family through the most challenging time of their lives.
"Together, they didn't just support Lucy's healing. They helped hold our family together."
For Anthony, participating in All Night Long is a way to ensure other families receive the same support when they need it most.
An update
Today, Lucy's story is one of resilience and hope.
She's back at school full-time, achieving strong academic results and participating in four co-curricular activities, including choir and violin ensemble. She was recently selected for the State Honours Ensemble Program for both violin and vocals, a remarkable achievement considering everything she has overcome.
Lucy continues with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and speech therapy to support her ongoing recovery and maintain the gains she has worked so hard to achieve.
In 2026, she also underwent Gamma Knife treatment to address the AVM that caused her brain bleed, providing hope for a future free from the risk of further complications.
Everyday Lucy's family is reminded of just how far she's come.
And it's why they're walking All Night Long, so more families facing the unimaginable can be surrounded by the same care, support and hope that helped Lucy find her way forward.
By registering for All Night Long, fundraising or sharing your own story, you can help create that same sense of hope for another family facing the unimaginable.
