Every year, on the third Sunday in July, National Ice Cream Day arrives—offering the perfect excuse to indulge in a favorite childhood treat and share its joy with others. This year, July 20, 2025, holds special meaning at Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY): it marks seven years of love, service, and community inspired by Dylan Matthew Murphy, carried forward by his family’s tireless volunteer efforts through Dylan’s Dream Team.
The Murphy Family: A Legacy of Love and Service
John, Donna, and John Murphy of North Bellmore, NY (Long Island), have been pillars of RMH-NY since 2018—volunteering continuously for nearly seven years. Their journey began after the loss of their beloved son, Dylan, in September 2018 and has grown into a mission to “always help children with cancer.”
Since then, they’ve organized countless fundraisers to provide meals, Legos, toys, treats—and of course, ice cream—to brighten the days of families facing childhood cancer.
Thanks to Dylan’s Dream Team, the Murphy family recently donated and continues to stock a deep freezer filled with ice cream in the RMH-NY lobby, ensuring every child returning from a difficult day at the hospital can enjoy a favorite frozen treat—just as Dylan once did.
Dylan’s Story: From Challenge to Inspiration
Dylan Matthew Murphy was a force of joy—smart, funny, and competitive, with a passion for sports and video games. A devoted New York Yankees fan, he also found comfort in the healing magic of his plush unicorn, which accompanied him through every treatment.
- 2015: At age 9, Dylan was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a rare pediatric kidney cancer usually found in younger children.
- After successful surgery and chemotherapy, he celebrated remission—only to be diagnosed six months later with leukemia, a secondary cancer likely caused by earlier treatment.
- 2017: Dylan received a bone marrow transplant, achieving remission again—until complications tragically claimed his life on September 13, 2018, at just 12 years old.
Throughout his journey, Dylan spent many days at RMH-NY, where he found comfort in ice cream socials, warm meals, game nights, field trips, and Build-A-Bear workshops. Amidst the unimaginable, his family created memories that would become the foundation of their enduring mission.
A Simple Idea Becomes a Lifelong Promise
During an ice cream social held on Dylan’s sixth "angelversary" in 2024, the Murphy family learned that the RMH-NY lobby freezer was missing—leaving children returning from the hospital without that sweet ice cream treat Dylan had once treasured. It struck them: replenishing that freezer would be a simple, powerful way to honor Dylan and bring joy to others.
With the support of Dylan’s Dream Team, generous donors, and a partnership with P.C. Richard & Son—who provided and delivered the freezer at cost—the Murphys installed a brand-new ice cream chest. They stocked it by hand the very same day. The reward? Seeing children’s faces light up with joy as they reached for their surprise treat. The Murphy’s barely finished stocking it with goodies before the kids swarmed the freezer to pick their favorite.
Building Joy, One Sundae at a Time
In the months since, Dylan’s Dream Team has kept that freezer full and always fueled by Dylan’s enduring spirit. Families returning from long hospital days can now count on a cool scoop or a tasty ice cream bar waiting for them in the lobby.
Donna fondly recalls evenings when Dylan played Bingo, rode NYPD buses to Chelsea Piers’ Bowlero for field trips (including surprise visits from New York Giants players!), and enjoyed taco nights followed by ping pong and video games. Every moment at RMH-NY added warmth and laughter around the sharp edges of hardship.
“It’s one of very few institutions that can forge beautiful memories during a time when we were living a nightmare,” she says. Today, families staying at the House experience that same relief and joy the Murphys once knew.
Why Ice Cream Matters
It might seem small—a simple cup of ice cream—but to a child battling cancer, it can mean everything:
Comfort after treatment - Dylan often couldn’t tolerate much food after chemotherapy, but sheer vanilla ice cream soothed him.
Consistency in chaos - Knowing there was always ice cream available brought a sense of routine and normalcy.
Community connectio - Ice cream socials brought together families, volunteers, and RMH-NY staff in moments of shared joy.
As Dylan’s mom says, “It’s nice to know we could potentially be giving another child the same opportunity Dylan had.”
Words of Wisdom From the Murphy Family
To Families Staying at RMH-NY:
“Take each day, one at a time. Stay hopeful. Take advantage of everything Ronald McDonald House New York has to offer. Use the time for family—and to create lasting, happy memories.”
To Volunteers and Potential Donors:
“Definitely volunteer! If you volunteer once, you’ll always want to come back. We promise—you’ll leave with more than you brought. Somehow, your time at Ronald gives you perspective and insight.”
On Giving:
“What RMH-NY does for families is unmatched by any other organization. A lot of hands make for light work. Every dollar and every day donated goes so much further when combined.”
National Ice Cream Day: A Call to Celebrate—and Serve
This National Ice Cream Day, July 20, 2025, help us turn a scoop of joy into something even sweeter:
- Volunteer: The House often has a waitlist for volunteer shifts, but new Family Rooms are opening across New York City—potentially offering opportunities close to your home. Visit our website to learn more.
- Donate: We’re incredibly grateful to all who give. Your contribution directly supports families whose children are facing serious illnesses, including cancer and other complex, life-threatening conditions.
Visit rmh-newyork.org to explore current fundraisers, volunteer signups, and ways you can give. Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.
Read about all the ways you could get involved with Ronald McDonald House New York Now.
Why Your Help Matters
RMH-NY is more than a building—it’s a community. It’s where families can leave behind the sterile hospital environment, where laughter echoes in the halls, and where even in the face of devastating diagnoses, a shared meal and a scoop of ice cream bring peace, joy, and comfort.
Volunteers like the Murphys—and the families they support—depend on people like you. Your time, generosity, and compassion ripple outward. You’ll find it in Bingo cheers, ping pong high fives, and the pure delight of a child opening a freezer full of frozen happiness.
A Final Scoop Full of Hope
On July 20, 2025, as you savor your ice cream cone, consider doing more than indulging. Consider joining a legacy of love and healing. Dylan’s Dream Team has shown that even the smallest acts—a freezer donation, a volunteer evening, a heartfelt gift—can build something extraordinary.
Join us. Help the next child walk through RMH-NY’s doors—fear, hunger, and illness in tow—and discover the sweet comfort of a simple scoop. The more hearts we open, the stronger Dylan’s promise becomes to always help children with cancer.
Volunteer today. Donate now. Be part of a movement that turns a single scoop into a lifetime of hope.
Together, let’s brighten days—one cone at a time.
