During the holiday season, NY1 visited Ronald McDonald House New York to film a special long-form Giving Back segment that shines a light on the people and generosity that make the House possible. Shot inside the House in December and aired around the holidays, the feature offers viewers an intimate look at how donor support and volunteer dedication power compassionate care for families navigating pediatric cancer and other serious childhood illnesses.
The segment introduces Anne Lekow, one of RMH-NY’s dedicated volunteers, whose time and presence help provide emotional support and stability for families far from home. It also centers on Niesha and her two-year-old son, Azaire, current residents of the House, whose experience reflects the reality many children with need for pediatric care and their caregivers face when treatment requires extended stays in New York City. Their story highlights the importance of family centered care and holistic care during a child’s medical journey.
NY1 also speaks with Wini Cudjoe, Chief Operations and Management Officer at Ronald McDonald House New York, who explains how donor generosity sustains the House’s daily operations. From meals and lodging to supportive programming, philanthropic support helps address critical social determinants of health while reducing barriers to care for families receiving treatment at leading institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering.
This Giving Back feature underscores how volunteers and donors work together to advance health equity and respond to health disparities faced by families with children undergoing treatment. It shows that healthcare innovations extend beyond medicine—into community, dignity, and the everyday moments that help families feel supported during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
The segment serves as a powerful reminder that Ronald McDonald House New York is more than a place to stay. It is a home built on generosity, emotional support, and a shared commitment to caring for the whole family.
Video courtesy of NY1.
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