“Here, living in Ronald McDonald House New York, I think it's a very different world from the world outside. We learn to appreciate and value every minute and every moment we spend with our family, our children.”
— Yoselys, Melanie’s Mom
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor the resilience of young patients and the families who navigate pediatric cancer, while also recognizing the staff, volunteers, and donors who help ease those journeys. At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), families like Melanie’s—a family from South America—find not just a place to stay but a community that nurtures hope, healing, and emotional well-being throughout a child’s treatment.
Melanie’s story is one of courage, adaptation, and the extraordinary support system RMH-NY provides to pediatric patients and their families. Her parents, Yoselys and Luis, reflect on the harrowing months that led to their arrival at the House, the care they received, and how the House became a second home during the most challenging time of their lives.
From Everyday Life to a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Before eight-year-old Melanie’s diagnosis, life in her country was filled with routine. “Our daily life at home was… we both worked. Melanie went to school. Then, basically, on weekends we took Melanie out somewhere,” says Yoselys. Luis adds, “We shared unforgettable moments, which now only remain as memories because we are so far away.”
Everything changed in December 2023 when Melanie began experiencing severe headaches, vomiting, and difficulty walking. Tests revealed a malignant brain tumor and hydrocephalus, a condition where fluid builds up in the brain. “When she finally received a full diagnosis… I was in shock and couldn’t process what was happening,” Yoselys recalled.
Luis, who was more closely involved with the medical consultations, explains: “The neurosurgeon told us she had a brain tumor, and fluid had built up. She had to have brain surgery immediately.”
Between December 2023 and February 2024, Melanie underwent four major brain surgeries, a period Yoselys describes as “quite difficult… I had to stay strong because my family depends on me emotionally.”
Amid this upheaval, the family faced a critical question: where would they live in New York during Melanie’s treatment, far from home and without any type of support system?
Discovering a Home Away From Home
Their hospital social worker introduced them to Ronald McDonald House New York. “…a door opened. It was a door, and it was hope,” Luis recalls.
The family arrived on February 2, 2024, both nervous and relieved. “The first day I was a little nervous because I didn’t know anyone, it was a big change for us,” Luis admits. But that unease quickly gave way to comfort as they were embraced by staff and fellow families. RMH-NY’s philosophy of family-centered care allows parents to focus on their child’s treatment. ...rather than the logistical and financial burdens of daily life.
Building Community in the Face of Fear
Life at RMH-NY blends practical support with moments of connection. Families participate in therapeutic programs, share meals, and find respite among others who understand their journey.
“At first it was difficult for us to share or get to know other families because we were afraid… until one day, I exchanged a few words with someone who has grown very special to us, named Edgar. Because of him, we met several other families. It was unforgettable,” Yoselys explains.
Luis echoes: “We built a wonderful community here with other families and with the staff. They brighten your day, give you advice, and make you feel part of something larger.”
Emotional Support in a Family-Centered Environment
For Melanie, RMH-NY became a place to play, make friends, and reclaim her childhood. Asked about her favorite part of the House, she answers without hesitation: “The games.” These joyful moments—arts, music, play—are key to holistic care, helping children cope with stress and anxiety to live a relatively normal life day to day.
Her parents emphasize the relief of practical support as well. “It’s great because I have one less thing to worry about. I don’t have to think about transportation, food… We are truly grateful. It relieves our financial stress,” Yoselys says.
The House’s comprehensive approach—meals, accommodations, transportation, and access to social workers—addresses the social determinants of health that can otherwise worsen disparities in pediatric care.
Experiencing the Impact of Donors and Volunteers
The care at RMH-NY is possible thanks to donors and volunteers. “Every little bit they contribute… helps every child. And it makes us feel safer and more comfortable, knowing there are people who care,” Luis says.
Yoselys adds, “I think they are wonderful people and blessed for what they do, truly supporting every child who comes here.”
Luis praises the team as well: “I give the staff and volunteers a thousand, ten thousand points. Truly, excellent.”
Melanie’s Words of Encouragement
Despite her condition, Melanie shows resilience and generosity of spirit. When asked what she would say to another child nervous about coming to RMH-NY, she replies: “Don’t be afraid, it’s really nice and you can make friends.”
Her parents reinforce this message: “I would tell a family not to be afraid. They will feel at home, safe, and protected, with other families to confide in and fun activities to join. I would say come and don’t be afraid,” Luis says.
Healing Beyond the Hospital Walls
Melanie’s medical care took place at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, where her parents say the pediatric oncology and neurosurgical teams were outstanding. “The medical staff gave me confidence;the nurses were there for Melanie from day one,” Luis explains. Yoselys adds, “We had a wonderful experience with every staff member, from nurses to surgeons, oncologists, neurosurgeons… They were instrumental in our daughter’s health.”
While hospitals save lives with medical treatment, RMH-NY complements that care by alleviating financial and emotional strain, reinforcing the connection between health equity, social determinants of health, and pediatric outcomes.
Celebrating Compassion and Community
Over their year and six months at RMH-NY, Melanie and her parents participated in nearly every program the House offers—from arts and crafts to outings and group activities around New York City. “I think we really participated in everything. It was a lot of fun,” Luis says.
Their journey reflects RMH-NY’s mission: a holistic, family-centered model of care that builds emotional resilience, fosters community, and creates joy even in times of hardship.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month shines a light on the challenges families face, Melanie’s story is a testament to the power of community support.
“I would like to become a donor to Ronald McDonald House New York in the very near future. It is a privilege to donate… and I hope that every child and family who comes here enjoys all the events that donors offer,”
--Yoselys
Melanie’s message to new children and families remains clear:
“Don’t be afraid, you’ll make many friends here.”
How You Can Help
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—and all year long—donors, volunteers, and advocates ensure that families like Melanie’s can focus on healing and hope.
- Donate: Your gift provides families with safe, supportive housing during treatment.
- Volunteer: From meal service to program support, volunteers create daily moments of joy.
- Spread Awareness: Go Gold this September and share stories like Melanie’s to raise awareness of pediatric cancer and the role of organizations like RMH-NY.
“They are an inspiration. Every child and family who comes here enjoys the support, and it gives us strength to face the challenges of treatment,”
--Yoselys
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Melanie’s story shines a light on what truly matters: giving children like her every possible chance at recovery and surrounding their families with unwavering support.
At Ronald McDonald House New York, where her family found strength and stability, compassionate care and family-centered services come together with world-class treatment to ease the weight of pediatric cancer. It is in this balance of healing and humanity that hope takes root, and families like Melanie’s discover moments of relief and joy in the midst of challenge.
