The Miracle of “Half a Glass of Water”: Emma’s Second Chance at Life
“After moving into the House, we could finally be together as a family.” – Agnes, Emma’s mother
Many parents expect their children to achieve great academic success and build a prosperous career. For Agnes and her husband Wyman, however, their one and only wish is for their daughter Emma to be healthy and for the family to stay together. Yet, even this simple desire once felt impossibly out of reach.
A Brave Little Fighter
At just 9 years old, Emma was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Her small body endured the pain of cancer and grueling chemotherapy, followed by a relapse and a life-saving bone marrow transplant. Emma’s journey was filled with pain and challenges, but she faced each one with courage. “The bravest thing I ever did was sign the consent form for my surgery without crying or hesitating,” she shared. This courage comes not only from herself but also from the strong support behind her.
When Emma was first diagnosed, Wyman and Agnes were devastated. “We sat on the hospital bench, crying uncontrollably,” Agnes shared. They later realized that this journey would exhaust all their tears. They faced a grim survival rate, and while they prepared for a long battle. The unpredictable side effects of treatment: vomiting blood, hair loss and severe skin allergies. On top of this, traveling back and forth between their home in Tuen Mun and the children’s hospital took nearly three hours. All of these hardships severely drained their physical and emotional energy.
A Sanctuary of Support
The hardest part that put them in a painful dilemma was the hospital’s rule allowing only one relative to stay overnight. Deciding who would stay and who would leave was absolute torture. “Every night I had to discuss with Dad about who would stay. We both felt terrible. The one who left always felt guilty, almost like abandoning a teammate,” Agnes recalled. During these incredibly difficult moments they were introduced to Ronald McDonald House Hong Kong, which provided them with a much needed place to catch their breath.
“After moving into the House, we could finally be together as a family,” Agnes shared. The House’s location near the hospital and its timely shuttle service brought much-needed convenience and relief. Agnes was especially touched by the House staff’s heartfelt care. “They greeted us with such warmth, like family,” she said. One memory that stands out was when Emma stayed at the House during her birthday. The staff arranged for her to visit the Magic Room and pick a gift, creating a moment of joy amidst her challenging journey.
Gratitude and Giving Back
Today, Emma has recovered and returned to school. Her favorite moments are playing games with friends and, like many children her age, following her favorite celebrities. Watching Emma live like any other child fills Wyman with gratitude. “When Emma’s cancer relapsed, the doctor told us her survival rate was 50%. ‘Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?’ That question taught us to treasure every chance we had,” Subsequently, Wyman donated his bone marrow to Emma. He was deeply moved when the doctor told him, “Mom gave Emma her first life, and now Dad has given Emma her second life.” Because of this profound experience, Wyman wants to use his family’s story to encourage other families currently going through difficult times, bringing them hope and support.
Emma’s family can now peacefully enjoy their time reunited. To give back to RMHC HK, they have donated books and toys in hopes of providing future families with better resources.
Twin Blossoms: A Home Without Borders
When this pair of twins—Nicole Lee and her sister Charlotte Lee, born in 2012—were still in their mother’s womb, the family received significant news. Nicole, the younger sister, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect known as a pulmonary arteria with ventricular septal defect. This meant that from the moment she was born, she would embark on a long and challenging medical journey.
Due to their father’s job relocation, the family had moved to Singapore several years earlier. However, Nicole still required regular visits back to the Queen Mary Hospital and the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for ongoing treatment. Last year, when her blood oxygen levels dropped, the medical team determined that a complex and in-depth surgery was necessary, which would require the entire family to stay in Hong Kong for an extended period.
Without a fixed residence in Hong Kong and the added challenge of caring for both daughters, the parents felt overwhelmed. It was during this time of worry that friends introduced them to the Ronald McDonald House in Hong Kong. They promptly contacted a medical social worker and successfully applied for a stay. This decision not only addressed their urgent accommodation needs but also provided the comforting assurance of a warm “home away from home,” embodying how the essence of “family” transcends geographical boundaries.
Dad shared sentimentally, “The environment here is wonderful. We’ve met many family members who share a similar age and background.” For him, the most meaningful aspect of the House is that it allows the family to stay connected during difficult times—“Keeping families close.”
Nicole’s surgery was extraordinarily complex, lasting seventeen hours. Following the operation, she was monitored in the ICU for over a week. During that time, Mom and elder sister Charlotte settled into the House first. For Charlotte, it was not merely a temporary shelter but a vibrant community of support. She engaged in various activities, played with volunteers and other children, and particularly enjoyed a warmer and more meaningful Christmas holiday than they had anticipated. Mom noticed with relief that although Nicole’s recovery was slow, she became noticeably more active in the safe environment of the House, walking with greater willingness and eager to interact with other children.
The sisters share a profound bond, with Charlotte always keeping a watchful eye on Nicole. Within the House, they discovered their own special corners: Charlotte, who has been learning the violin and piano since childhood, cherishes the music room where she can practise; Nicole enjoys the dining area, often playing with other children. For Mom, the House provided more than just a physical space—it transformed into a close-knit community filled with understanding and mutual support.
Though their stay was brief, Mom profoundly felt the love and sense of belonging that permeated the House. This family’s story is a testimony to the fact that love and support know no boundaries. For them, the Ronald McDonald House was not simply a temporary refuge during medical treatment; it became a haven where a family crossing borders for care could uplift one another, face illness with courage, and find solace. Though Nicole will continue to require regular check-ups in the future, this warm experience that transcended geography has already imbued the entire family with renewed courage and hope.
Community Connection : Childlike Joy for the Year of the Horse
We have partnered with Hong Kong Tramways to launch a meaningful Lunar New Year tram that brightens the streets of Hong Kong Island. This festive tram showcases artwork created by little artists who are courageously battling illness. Through their creative brushstrokes, our “Caring Teddy” and “Tramway’s “Ding Ding Cat” are transformed into lively dancing lions, filled with hope and blessings.
During the festive season, this festive tram will travel across Hong Kong Island, spreading warmth and courage to passengers and communities alike. It serves as a reminder of the power of love and support within our community.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following little artists for sharing their visions of hope and joy:
- Lu Loriz Angeline Sumagang
- Chen, Hong Ying
- Becky
- Zhou, Zi Hui
- Ning Ning
- Kuuga M
- Johnny
Corporate Support: Lunar New Year Art Workshop
We are deeply grateful to the am730 Charity Fund, their volunteer team, and special guest Ms. Nancy Wu for visiting our Kwun Tong House to create festive decorations with families of children in need. During the workshop, families also received custom Lunar New Year couplets and red packets prepared by the am730 Charity Fund, spreading festive warmth and love.
The event brought joy and a sense of community to participating families, reminding them they are supported during this special time of year. Our heartfelt thanks to am730 Charity Fund and all participants for their generosity and kindness.
Celebrity Cooking Class: Celebrity Chef Shares His Dumpling Secrets
RMHC Hong Kong recently hosted a “Celebrity Cooking Class” at our Kwun Tong House, aiming to foster meaningful family interactions through cooking and bringing joy to families during their treatment journeys.
We were honored to welcome Oscar Siu, founder of Ging Sun Ho Shanghai Pan-Fried Dumplings, as our celebrity chef. He guided families through the process of making his signature Pan-Fried Pork Soup Buns, sharing key tips and secrets for achieving perfection. Every family member was highly engaged, and the freshly made dumplings were a hit—crispy, fragrant, and utterly delicious, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to Uni-China Group and Hong Kong Market for sponsoring the ingredients, as well as to the volunteers who helped prepare a wonderful dinner for the families. After the class, everyone gathered to enjoy the meal together, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. We hope to continue offering activities like this to bring comfort, energy, and encouragement to all our families.
Welcoming the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year Reunion Party
This Lunar New Year, RMHC Hong Kong hosted a festive Reunion Party at our Kwun Tong House to celebrate the Year of the Horse with families staying at the House. The event aimed to bring hope and strength to these families during their healing journeys, allowing them to feel the love and care of the community during this special occasion.
The celebration was filled with joy and excitement, featuring an impressive magic show, music performances, and interactive game booths designed by various groups. Children and parents alike were beaming with delight throughout the event, with laughter and cheer filling the air. It was truly a heartwarming way to welcome the Lunar New Year.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our corporate partners for their generous sponsorship and support that made this party a huge success.
Sharing Festive Love: Family Reunion Lunch
On the Eve of the Lunar New Year,we held a heartwarming Family Reunion Lunch at our Kwun Tong House, where staying families, volunteers, and staff joined together to celebrate. The event featured delicious food, a lucky draw, and gifts of festive treats and fruits for each family, symbolizing abundance and health in the new year.
This gathering aimed to bring families comfort and joy during their healing journey, reminding them they are supported and cared for during the festive season.
Wintereisse In Den Morgen Charity Concert : Melodies of Warmth
On 1 March, the Wintereisse In Den Morgen Charity Concert , co-organized by RMHC Hong Kong and White Ink Box, concluded at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a full house and a heartwarming atmosphere.
Talented artists performed moving melodies and vocals, leading the audience on a meaningful winter journey. Every note touched the audience deeply, reminding us of the importance of love and family. Thank you to everyone who participated, using music as a bridge to bring positive energy and encouragement to children and families in need.
