Crocombe Family - Napier
When Aaron Crocombe hurt his knee jumping off playground equipment earlier this year, his parents thought it was a simple injury. Living in the Hawke’s Bay with their two boys, Candy and her husband spent weeks taking Aaron to the doctor and physio, trying to understand why the pain wouldn’t go away. Every test came back clear - until something far more alarming happened.
“One evening at home, Aaron sneezed and hit his nose on his knee,” recalls Candy. “That started a nosebleed that went on for three hours. The doctors told us it would settle down, but it never really did.”
For seven long days, the bleeding continued. Despite multiple visits to the doctor, no one could explain what was going on. Finally, following her instincts, Candy called their paediatric nurse for advice. “She told us to go to the hospital immediately,” Candy says. “That phone call changed everything.”
At Hastings Hospital, Aaron underwent constant testing as the medical team tried to uncover the cause. Eventually, they decided more specialised testing was needed - and despite the national children’s hospital being full, arrangements were made for the family to fly to Christchurch.
“The day they diagnosed Aaron with leukaemia - even before the tests were conclusive - we were sent to Christchurch,” says Candy. “That’s where our cancer journey truly began.”
During those first 6–8 weeks in Christchurch, the Crocombe family found comfort and stability through Ronald McDonald House. Later, when Aaron’s treatment required weekly trips to Auckland, they stayed at Ronald McDonald House Grafton Mews - a place that quickly became a home away from home.
“The journey we’ve been on, and are still on, has many challenges,” says Candy. “Aaron has autism, ADHD, and sensory needs, which makes hospital visits and being away from home incredibly difficult. The constant changes to his routine and environment can be overwhelming for him.” 
The team at Grafton Mews went above and beyond to make life easier. “The rooms are spacious enough for Aaron’s wheelchair, all our luggage, and the sensory items he needs to stay calm,” Candy explains. “When the main areas are too loud or busy, we’ve found a quiet spot on one of the decks where we can get fresh air and a bit of peace.”
Having a safe, welcoming place to stay has meant everything to the Crocombes. “Without Ronald McDonald House, we simply couldn’t have managed Aaron’s treatment,” says Candy. “We wouldn’t have been able to afford accommodation for all the trips we’ve had to make - and there are still more to come.”
Being able to cook their own meals and have familiar food helps Aaron stay settled and allows the family to save on costs. But it’s the people who make the biggest difference. “The staff are amazing,” Candy smiles. “They always ask how we’re doing and take the time to listen. Coming back from the hospital and being greeted with a smile means so much.”
For the Crocombes, Ronald McDonald House has been more than a place to sleep - it’s been a lifeline. “Having this support has meant we can focus on Aaron,” says Candy. “It’s given us the space to be together as a family, to breathe, and to keep going.”