“When this whole journey started. I was having problems to sleep at night. Because I'm a thinker. So, I started to think “What is this? Could we afford this? Did we reach our goal?” But coming here the first night I slept through the night for the first time. I realized it was because one thing that was on my mind, that was worrying me, was done, eliminated and all because of being in this house.”
-Melissa, Dimitris’s Mom, and Current House Guest
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the world comes together to honor the bravery of children fighting cancer and to recognize the vital role that organizations like Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) play in their journey.
Meet Dimitris and Family
This year, we bring to light the story of Dimitris, a young boy diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and his resilient mother, Melissa. Their journey from Trinidad and Tobago to RMH-NY began with a leap of faith and continued forward with support coming from places the family never knew possible including Ronald McDonald House New York. This is their story.
Life Before the Diagnosis
Before their world was turned upside down, Dimitris’ family led a life much like any other in Trinidad and Tobago. Melissa describes their daily routine with a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on the simpler times when their biggest concern was whether the kids were spending too much time on video games.
"Home on a regular day, we would be like, well, almost every other family, you know, gets up, call the kids not to go on the video games too early. Then by 12 o'clock, they will, I'll say, 'okay, time to come out of the house.' They'll go jump in the pool. We have a pool in our backyard. And they'll stay there until I call them to come back, you know."
Melissa's husband, who’s retired from the General Defense Force, was often home, and their lives were filled with the routine joys of school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, and family time.
However, all that changed on Mother's Day of this year, when Dimitris was shockingly diagnosed with AML, a rare and aggressive form of leukemia.
The Day the World Turned Upside Down
The family's journey into the world of pediatric cancer began on what should have been a day of celebration. Melissa recalls that day with a mix of disbelief and sorrow.
"My start of this journey started on Mother's Day this year... My husband and my son went to the hospital the day before, and they referred him to go to the kids' hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. The next day, he got up, got dressed, went with my son... I was told he had a clot blood in his legs. From then, a week after, we found out that he was diagnosed with AML."
The diagnosis hit the family hard. Dimitris, who had been experiencing what seemed like minor symptoms, was suddenly thrust into a battle for his life. The initial treatment began in Trinidad, but it quickly became clear that Dimitris would need a bone marrow transplant—a procedure not available in their home country.
A Leap of Faith: Arriving in New York
Faced with the urgent need for specialized treatment, Dimitris’ Mom and Dad had to make the difficult decision to seek care abroad. Melissa's family, particularly her mother, rallied together, placing cold calls to hospitals in America, hoping a notable cancer center might take his case, and to make other necessary arrangements. Soon, Melissa and Dimitris were on their way to Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in New York. To be fiscally thoughtful, Dimitris’ father and big brother remained at home in Trinidad.
Melissa vividly remembers the overwhelming stress of those early days, not just from the medical challenges but also from the logistical nightmares of being in a foreign country, far from home and family. She recounts how their introduction to Ronald McDonald House New York was a turning point in their journey.
"All I could think about was getting him to the States for the treatment... I was telling [the social worker] how my family is split into two—my husband and my other son in Trinidad while I'm here... She said, 'I'm going to see what I can do to help you.' Next minute she comes, 'Oh, I contacted the Ronald McDonald House for you.' And I was like, the Ronald McDonald House? What is that? She explained, and in a couple of days... Oh, you all are in. That day I sat down, and I cried. I literally cried with her. I was like, one stress is off. At least my family is together."
Within days, Dimitris’ dad and big brother were in route to NYC to join he and his mother at Ronald McDonald house New York.
Settling Into Ronald McDonald House New York
For Melissa, arriving at RMH-NY was both a relief and a revelation. The House, which offers a home-away-from-home for families with children undergoing medical treatment, provided the family with more than just a place to stay—it offered a community, support, and a sense of normalcy during a thoroughly chaotic moment in time.
Melissa reflects on her first impressions of the House and the immediate impact it had on her family.
"When I first came in, they gave me the rundown of everything. I was like, wait, wait, wait, too much info. But when they told me how everything is, I was like, 'Oh, the kids are going to love it.' My son, Dimitris, was in the hospital, and he was like, 'Oh, I can't wait to come out of the hospital so I can go and swim in the pool.' I was like, 'Sorry, baby, we don't have a swimming pool, but we have a nice playroom. You can enjoy it.' He might have been disappointed then, but now the kids love the playroom."
The playroom, designed to provide a safe and fun space for children’s educational and enrichment activities at RMH-NY, quickly became a favorite for Dimitris’ brother and later for Dimitris as well. Melissa found solace in the Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center, a space dedicated to the mental and emotional well-being of caregivers and family members of patients.
A Playroom Moment
Melissa recalls how quickly her boys fell in love with the Ronald McDonald House New York 2nd floor playroom.
“Yes, we went down [to the playroom] on the first day. My older son was here, and we went down. And I can never forget the next morning when we got up the next day. He woke up. He bathed and dressed. And he was like, “Okay, mummy, I'm going.” I was like, “where are you going? You're not going in the playroom. I was like, oh it's open now. And he went. And then I remember he came back up hours after saying. “Oh, it's lunch. Yes. Um.” So, I made him his lunch before he ran right back down to the playroom again.”
Mom Finds a Caregiver’s Retreat
"I'm in love with [the Wellness Center], just the fact they could just go up there and be by yourself, meditate, and think, you know. Didn't have to worry about massages—anybody could love that. Other than the area, the Wellness staff is very welcoming."
The Importance of Donors and Community Support
As Dimitris family settled into their new reality, Melissa began to fully appreciate the immense support that RMH-NY provides. The House covers meals, transportation to and from the hospital, and, most importantly, offers a place where families can stay together during the most challenging times. This holistic approach allows parents like Melissa to focus entirely on their child's health.
"One thing that was on my mind, that was worrying me, is done. It's eliminated. Because of being in this house, which is having my whole family together... How are we going to do the transport back and forth? How are we going to eat? All these things have been solved."
Melissa's gratitude extends to the donors whose generosity makes RMH-NY possible. She speaks passionately about the impact that donor support has had on her family's journey.
"I remember calling my husband and telling him, 'Hey, you got in a place that thinks about not only the medical side of this whole journey, but the family side, and the other part.'"
For Melissa, the support of donors means more than just financial assistance—it represents the kindness and compassion of people who understand the importance of keeping families together during the toughest battles of their lives. She hopes that by sharing her story, others will be inspired to support RMH-NY, knowing that their contributions truly make a difference in the lives of so many families of kids with cancer.
"The Lord sent [RMH-NY] for me. I needed that hug. [The staff member] said, 'Mommy, you don't worry. We are just here for you.' And I knew, from that moment, that this House is more than just a place to stay—it's a lifeline." Melissa spoke about her first days in the House.
Looking Forward: A Message of Hope
As September brings awareness to childhood cancer, Melissa's story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges that families face and the crucial role that organizations like RMH-NY play in their journey. For her family, the House has been a source of strength, comfort, and hope during a time filled with loads of uncertainty and fear.
Though the road ahead is still uncertain, Melissa remains hopeful. With Dimitris's bone marrow transplant on the horizon, she takes comfort in knowing that her family is together and that they have the support of a community that cares.
“There's where you see that God is working his magic. You know, and take it from me, I'm not a religious person. I'm not testifying here, but I'm telling you, it's like when I came off the plane and I landed in this country, I thought, “How am I going to be this? How am I going to do this? How are we going to survive?” You know, and because before we literally emptied one of the savings, you know. So, thank you. Now, we can relax a bit and focus on Dimitris. So, like I said, thank you.”
As the family continues their journey, they are grateful for the love and support that surrounds them—from the staff and volunteers at RMH-NY to the donors whose generosity makes it all possible. Melissa continues her simple and heartfelt message to those who support RMH-NY:
"Thank you. Thank you for thinking of not only the medical side of this whole journey but the family side as well. You've made it possible for us to be together during this time, and for that, we are forever grateful."
How You Can Help
During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to join us in supporting families like Dimitris and Melissa’s. Your donations to Ronald McDonald House New York help provide a home-away-from-home for families facing the unimaginable. Together, we can ensure that no family must face their child's illness alone.
To donate or learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of families like Melissa’s. Let’s continue to stand together, support these incredibly vulnerable, but resilient families so they can keep their eyes on what matters the most: their kid.
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Dimitris’ family, donate to Ronald McDonald House New York. Create smiles. Become a lifeline. Support and protect these families as they give everything to heal their children.
