When Mae Was Just 48 Hours Old, Everything Changed
Mae’s life was turned upside down almost as soon as it began. At just 48 hours old, she suddenly collapsed due to a rare and life-threatening condition that required immediate surgery. What should have been quiet, joyful days for her family quickly became a terrifying whirlwind of fear, uncertainty, and emergency hospital rooms.
For Mae’s parents, the emotional toll was overwhelming. Watching their newborn fight for her life was something no family is ever prepared for. Adding to the weight of it all, they were far from home, facing a long and exhausting hospital stay with no sense of normalcy or rest.
During this time, The Grand Appeal stepped in, offering free family accommodation at Grand Appeal House. Thanks to this support, Mae’s family was able to stay close to the hospital while she recovered — close enough to be there for every update, every procedure, and every fragile moment of progress. That kindness made an enormous difference during one of the darkest periods of their lives.
Still, the constant back-and-forth between the hospital and home took its toll. Days blurred together. Sleep was scarce. Emotions ran high. What Mae’s family truly needed was a safe, peaceful place to rest — a space where they could pause, regain strength, and focus entirely on their daughter’s healing.
That’s where the vision of the Patient Hotel comes in.
A Patient Hotel would provide families like Mae’s with a sanctuary — a place to sleep, to breathe, and to gather strength without leaving the hospital environment. It would allow parents to remain close to their child while caring for themselves, something that is often overlooked but critically important during long medical journeys.
Today, Mae’s recovery is nothing short of miraculous. She is here, she is healing, and her family will forever be grateful for the medical care, compassion, and support that carried them through those uncertain days.
Now, they are turning their gratitude into action.
Mae’s family is raising funds to support the construction of the Patient Hotel, hoping it will become a lifeline for future families facing similar crises. Their wish is simple: that no parent will have to endure exhaustion, isolation, and fear alone while their child fights to heal.
Because when a child is in the hospital, the entire family is on that journey — and having a place of comfort, rest, and hope can make all the difference.
