Black History Month is a time to pause and listen. It is a moment to honor history not only through reflection, but through presence. At Ronald McDonald House New York, that presence lives in the voices of Black caregivers whose strength, leadership, and care shape the House every day.

When families are confined to their suites for months at a time, caregiver well-being becomes not optional—but essential. For caregivers, RMH-NY’s Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center continues to provide:

When Grace Johnson arrived at Ronald McDonald House New York one summer evening with her baby girl, Gracie Rose, it wasn’t just a visit. It was a moment that tied together months of phone calls, late-night worries, and a growing trust between two women on very different journeys.

Hi. I’m a Hospitality Cart at Ronald McDonald House New York. Come spend the day with me to see how Ronald McDonald House New York utilizes me to offer a moment of compassionate care to caregivers and families in local hospitals. And remind me to tell you the one about the goldfish shortage.

This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection. It’s about home. And thanks to Angélica, a member of the team of masterminds behind the enormous success of The Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center and its community support programs, what started as a simple caregiver activity became something much more:

Among these remarkable pairings were caregivers Tamika and Melissa, whose friendship was born at the House. Their interview offered a unique window into their bond, built through shared experiences and unwavering support.

At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), there's a deep understanding of the sacrifices caregivers make every day. That’s why RMH-NY is committed not just to the well-being of young patients but also to supporting the caregivers who walk alongside them. The good news? These acts of support don’t have to be exclusive to RMH-NY.

At NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where every beep from a machine holds weight, and each medical update tugs at the heartstrings of worried parents, one new mother, Natalie found herself navigating an emotional whirlwind. Her son, Marcellus, had been born prematurely and was fighting for his life. Caught in a storm of uncertainty and hope, Natalie discovered an unexpected sanctuary that would become her refuge—the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Elmhurst.