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At Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY), we are constantly reminded that love truly has a way of growing on people. For Joseph and Rosa Luna, this love took root years ago, during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Today, they return every Thanksgiving, bringing warmth, smiles, listening ears and a lot of heart to the families at the House.
Here’s their story—a journey colored by resilience, transformation, and love that continues to blossom through the gifts they give to RMH-NY every year.
A Second Home During Joseph’s Fight
The Lunas first walked through the doors of RMH-NY when their grandson, Joseph, was undergoing Neuroblastoma treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering. What was supposed to be a short stay to confirm diagnosis quickly stretched into months, and the House became more than just a place to sleep—it became their second home.
“Joseph would walk in, unload the bags, and go look for his friends,” Grandpa Joseph Luna recalls. “He’d go to the game room, and the staff would know him and greet him. It was like moving from home to home.”
The House provided more than shelter; it offered peace, connection, and a sense of normalcy in the middle of an unimaginable battle. It allowed space for everyone to find themselves. “And that was such a blessing to us because, even though this house is big and sometimes there's a lot of families, you can always find a place to find yourself. I found that and I think Joseph found that too.” Joseph reflected on his time with his grandson in the House.
Joseph thrived in the environment created by RMH-NY. The staff’s warmth, the friendships he formed, and the sense of belonging made a difficult journey not just bearable, but joyful in moments. His experience at RMH-NY became a bright spot in their lives, leaving an indelible mark on the entire family.
Joseph and Rosa’s grandson passed on November 6th, 2009. Joseph added, “I think my grandson lived a full life as a child and he was happy. He was happy. He was truly happy.”
Only three weeks later, Joseph and Rosa Luna made a choice that most might not expect grieving grandparents to ever do, much less within the month after their grandchild’s passing. Yet, on Thanksgiving Day in 2009, they went back north to spend the holiday at Ronald McDonald House New York.
Turning Loss Into Legacy
When Joseph passed away, the Lunas made a decision that would honor his memory and the community that had supported them: they would return to RMH-NY as volunteers. Each year, Joseph and Rosa save up for the trip and every year they make the pilgrimage far away from their home and family in Texas to another home in NYC at Ronald McDonald House New York.
“Part of our heart is here,” Joseph smiled. “We walk through the doors and feel the same presence of love, and we come back to be part of that love—not just to receive it, but to give it.”
That first Thanksgiving, they arrived in New York City with a new purpose: to give back and to serve dinner to the families staying at the House. The tradition has continued every year since. Rain or shine (and this year certainly did give them a hefty dose on rain), they start their day at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and then head straight to the House to bring comfort and joy to others at dinner time.
Their first Thanksgiving as volunteers was bittersweet, but the warmth of RMH-NY and the joy of giving back filled a void that loss had left behind. “When we came back that first Thanksgiving, we just felt it in our hearts,” Rosa shares. “We knew this was what we needed to do.”
Lessons in Loving and Giving
Over the years, the Lunas have learned that volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about personal growth.
“At first, we thought we’d just come back to be here,” Joseph explains. “But after a few visits, we realized it’s about getting involved. Now, we’re the hugging couple, the listening couple, the giving couple.”
Whether it’s serving pumpkin pie, offering a handshake, or simply listening, the Lunas have found that the smallest gestures can make the biggest impact.
And that love is contagious. Their dedication inspires others—volunteers, staff, and families alike. The Lunas remind us that a community built on kindness has the power to change lives, not just for the families who stay at RMH-NY, but for everyone involved.
A Note of Thanks from a Friend
Dear Joseph and Rosa,
It was truly wonderful to see you both last week at the House as we came together to support and celebrate Thanksgiving. Having you both here means so much to all of us—your presence adds a special warmth that reflects your deep connection to the families and the mission we share.
Your unwavering dedication, from 2009 to now, is nothing short of extraordinary. You have walked in the shoes of these families, understanding their journey with a compassion and empathy that only comes from firsthand experience. The time, energy, and love you have poured into this work have left an indelible mark not only on the House but also on every family you’ve touched.
On behalf of the House and all the families we serve, thank you for your steadfast commitment. You are truly a cornerstone of this community, and we are endlessly grateful for your kindness, selflessness, and support.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Wini Cudjoe
Chief Operations & Management Officer
For Every Volunteer in the House
We at RMH-NY want to take a moment to thank every volunteer—past and present—for the incredible work you do. People like Joseph and Rosa Luna are living proof that our community thrives on love, generosity, and connection.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission. Whether you’re serving meals, organizing activities, or simply lending a listening ear, you are creating a ripple effect of kindness that reaches far beyond these walls. And to the Lunas: thank you for being a shining example of what it means to give back.
To all our volunteers, thank you for being the angels among us. As Joseph beautifully puts it, “I call them angels because they bring peace. They really don’t have a reason to do it, but they do it because they love us.”
Join the Volunteer Family
If Joseph and Rosa’s story inspires you, we’d love to welcome you into our volunteer family. As Joseph puts it, “The volunteer staff at the House is dynamite. Everyone who comes here thoroughly enjoys their time.”
Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make it a regular part of your life, there’s a place for you at RMH-NY. Come be part of the love, the laughs, and the unforgettable memories.
Joseph speaks to the love in the House. “I would say that if even if we only stayed for a month or two months, it would have grown on us because love has a tendency to grow on people.”
So, what are you waiting for? Join us in making RMH-NY a place where love continues to grow, and families always have the ability to find peace.
Interested in volunteering?
Visit our website to learn more and sign up today. Together, we can create a world where love knows no bounds and no family faces pediatric illness alone.
Because as Joseph says, “If you walk through these doors, you’ll find love. And if you come back, you’ll find it again.”
