Monthly Newsletter September 2024
This September, for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we share the story of Dimitris, a young boy from Trinidad and Tobago diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). After receiving the devastating news on Mother’s...
|
|
This September, for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we share the story of Dimitris, a young boy from Trinidad and Tobago diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). After receiving the devastating news on Mother’s Day, his family embarked on a challenging journey to New York for treatment. At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), they found not just a place to stay, but a community of support that helped them through this difficult time. |
|
|
Dimitris’s mother, Melissa, describes how RMH-NY gave her peace of mind by reuniting her family and providing essential resources, from transportation to meals. For Dimitris and his brother, the playroom at the House became a favorite spot, while Melissa found comfort in the wellness center designed for caregivers. Melissa is deeply grateful for the donors whose generosity made their stay at RMH-NY possible. She emphasizes how crucial RMH-NY’s holistic approach has been, allowing her family to focus on Dimitris’s health without worrying about logistics. As the family looks ahead to Dimitris’s upcoming bone marrow transplant, they remain hopeful, thanks to the love and support they’ve received. This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, consider donating to RMH-NY to help families like Dimitris’s stay together and find strength in their time of need. Every contribution makes a difference in supporting children battling cancer and their families. |
|
|
On September 12th, we had the absolute joy of hosting Broadway Inspirational Voices (BIV) for our first in-person concert since 2019! The Living Room was filled with music, smiles, and inspiration as BIV brought their magic back to the House. BIV has been a special part of the RMH-NY community since 2010, and their signature program, “Songs in the Key of Me!”, continues to bring hope and healing to our families. This amazing initiative pairs Broadway composers with pediatric cancer patients and their families to create personalized songs. The program is all about celebrating strength, resilience, and the power of music. |
|
|
This year, we were honored to celebrate two incredible young people, Francis Strain and Jayden Torres. Their stories were brought to life through music, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The concert was truly uplifting, reminding us all of the power of hope and creativity. A huge thank you to BIV and everyone who made this unforgettable event possible! If you missed it, don’t worry—there’s always next year! |
|
|
We are so proud to recognize one of the best, Nel Barreto, our Chief Programs Officer for being recognized in City & State NY’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Latino 100 List. Thank you for all that you do for the House and our families, Nel. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More Stories
-
Family
The Boy Who Collects Hats: An RMH-NY Family Story
This is how you identify Santiago in a room. Not by volume. Not by demand. But by the gentle authority of imagination. His hats are not costumes. They are moods. Weather systems. Small declarations of resilience perched carefully on his head.
-
Family
Every Day Is Mother’s Day
This is a story about five mothers who sat down together for one hour and told the truth.
-
Family
Superheroes Take Over the Skyline
Janet Potter is riding in the 2026 5 Boro Bike Tour for Ronald McDonald House New York. The reason she rides starts in a hardware store in rural Indiana back in a simpler time.
-
Family
What a Real Superhero Looks Like: Angelica’s Story
In Honor of National Superhero Day – April 28th We tend to picture superheroes a certain way. Capes. Powers. Origin stories involving radioactive
-
Volunteer
Eva Peña: From Civil Engineer to Healer and Volunteer
April doesn’t whisper its message—it steps into the spotlight, grabs the microphone, and dares you to recognize the people who keep showing up when it matters most.
-
Family
He Gave His Brother More Than a Gift
There are moments in life when love stops being something that is said out loud and starts becoming something that is done—quietly, instinctively, without hesitation.