Family Story: The strongest pain reliever
Ferris, a father of three, spared no effort to get his ailing eldest daughter the best care, while tending to his younger two. The family found respite at Ronald McDonald House, where they felt the community’s warmth – strengthening Ferris and his wife’s resolve to build a brighter future for their children.
“The daughter is the father’s beloved from a past life.” When Ferris learned late last year that his eldest daughter, Esther, was suffering from acute lymphoid leukemia, his heart was pierced with anguish.
Ferris was committed to advancing his budding career in environmental protection. At the same time, he was looking forward to welcoming his third son with his wife, Ceci, who was about to give birth. However, the eldest daughter, Esther, continued to have symptoms such as fever and cold. “Esther has always been healthy, we thought it was just a common minor illness, but how could we have thought it was leukemia so serious,” Ferris said.
Ever since Esther entered the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for treatment, Ferris has been by her side, and has been described by his wife as the most effective painkiller for her daughter. Because as long as she has her father by her side, Esther seemed to be able to withstand any pain.
But for Ferris, the most heart-wrenching thing is watching Esther, who used to be well-behaved and cute, sometimes change her temperament due to drug reactions. “When her emotions hit, she would lose her temper uncontrollably, leaving us both physically and mentally exhausted.”
As a father, Ferris has always cared for his children and established a close relationship. In order to help Esther come to terms with her condition, he deliberately asked a friend to make a short film, using the story of “Rapunzel” to tell his daughter that before she can become a princess, she must first go through the stage of hair loss. Since then, Esther has been more receptive to being hairless, and is full of hope that one day she will become a real “Rapunzel”.
These difficult days were indeed a source of ambivalence for Ferris. He admits that Esther is the eldest daughter in the family, so it is inevitable that he will have some expectations for her and want to make arrangements for her growth. “I sometimes wonder if I should give up on these hopes,” Ferris bitterly said. “But I know very well that the most important thing at this moment is to take care of the needs of the children. Because health is not inevitable, it requires us to strive for it with all our might.”
Meanwhile, the little brother Elliot was about to be born. Ferris had to stay in the hospital for a long time to take care of Esther, so he had to leave his wife alone in the delivery room to give birth. The remote location of their home meant that Ferris and his wife had to travel long distances to the hospital to care for Esther. Fortunately, the medical social worker identified the plight in time and referred them to the Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong for temporary accommodation, which eased their transportation burden.
In addition to the medical costs, Ferris shared that the daily expenses of caring for Esther and their newborn son Elliot had also placed them under significant financial strain. In order to fully dedicate themselves to caring for their children, Ferris and his wife had to take a break from what they were doing. They feel incredibly fortunate to be staying at the House, which has undoubtedly helped them in the snow and greatly reduced their immediate financial burden.
The most unexpected and precious gain for Ferris’ family during their stay is the compassionate care and support from the other families at the House. They admit to being physically and emotionally drained from tending to their seriously ill daughter Esther, while also caring for their other children. However, the other parents proactively stepped in to help, not only sharing the burden of childcare responsibilities, but also generously sharing their valuable experience in caring for sick children. These acts of kindness and community alleviated the urgent needs of Ferris’ family and made them deeply feel the warmth and solidarity of their fellow families.
Esther’s unexpected health crisis undoubtedly presented significant challenges for this otherwise tranquil family. To ensure proper care for Esther and her newborn son, Elliot, Ferris and his wife had to leave their second daughter to the care of their relatives, and even parents of Emma’s classmates to temporarily look after her. This arrangement, however, stirred up feelings of guilt and unease within Emma. She began to wonder if her own behaviors were somehow responsible for her parents’ frequent absences.
Recognizing Emma’s feelings of remorse, Ferris and his wife promptly decided to bring her to live with the family. This allowed Emma to spend more quality time with her parents and siblings. Over time, Emma’s mood gradually improved, and the sadness that had once etched her face began to fade.
Ceci admitted feeling guilty for neglecting Emma. When she feels down, she would find a quiet corner in the House and cry openly, finding that the emotional release lifted her spirits. She now hopes to tell her children that it’s okay to cry when unhappy, and they should embrace life’s challenges after venting, for happiness will come.
With Esther’s condition stabilizing, Ferris and Ceci were recently able to enjoy a long-awaited movie together. These small joys in life had become precious fortunes for the family.
Family Story: Your joy is my joy
Upon learning of his daughter’s rare neuroblastic tumor diagnosis, Carson learned to cherish each moment and determined to create joyful experiences for their daughter with his wife throughout the treatment. To this end, they have relocated to Ronald McDonald House to provide their daughter with a nurturing environment.
Despite a rare stage 4 neuroblast tumor, 6-year-old Mavis retained her lively, active spirit. Two years ago, her father Carson rushed her to the ER when she suddenly collapsed. Doctors at Hong Kong Children’s Hospital later confirmed her diagnosis, following a history of unexplained abdominal and foot pain.
“Doctors say it’s hard to detect the disease early, and it’s usually stage 4 by the time it’s diagnosed.” Carson said. After being admitted to the hospital, Mavis underwent major surgery to remove the cancer cells that were pressing the nerve to relieve her leg pain, followed by a series of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
It was the height of the epidemic, and Carson, vaccinated for work, had to accompany Mavis to the hospital daily for her various treatments. He even quitted his job to become her full-time caregiver. “Mavis usually prefers her mother, so she was a bit uncomfortable with me at first. But she’s very sensible and knows her mother will visit after getting vaccinated.”
Neuroblastoma is a rare disease, with limited medical data available. Yet that did not deter Carson and his wife. Driven to treat their daughter, they relentlessly sought insight from other affected families, hoping to better navigate this challenge.
Sadly, the respite was short-lived. While the condition of Mavis had initially improved, last year brought the devastating news of a relapse, crushing Carson and his wife. “Mavis has always been a cheerful, vibrant girl, never allowing her illness to dampen her spirit. Her unwavering courage to undergo treatment has been the greatest comfort to us,” Carson shared. “Even knowing her relapse must have been heartbreaking, we refused to show our sorrow in front of her. Fortunately, my wife and I have steadfastly supported each other, maintaining a positive outlook even in our darkest moments.”
Mavis, with her compromised immunity due to the illness, is about to begin a new round of treatment for a haploidentical transplant. To prepare for this crucial procedure, she must limit her exposure and remain at home as much as possible, shielding herself from potential infections.
“Seeing her confined to the house day after day, unable to venture out, the vibrant smile we once knew was faded,” Carson recalled. Fortunately, on the recommendation of a medical social worker, they have relocated to the more hygienic Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong. “Here, Mavis is surrounded by other families in similar situations, allowing her to find companionship among the children. And the spacious environment gives her more space to move.” Carson shared with relief.
The House provides a variety of activities, such as music, English phonics, and handicraft classes, to help the children continue learning and develop social skills during their stay. To support the parents, the House also regularly organizes workshops, like massage sessions, allowing them to find physical and mental rejuvenation while caring for their children.
Carson and his family have been staying at the House for over two months and have actively participated in nearly all the activities. Carson enthusiastically shared that his daughter wakes up each morning excited to play with the other children. She eagerly participates in the diverse array of interest classes and stays active and engaged throughout the day.
Despite the challenges of fully treating their daughter’s condition, Carson and his wife have remained steadfast in their hope, believing that advancements in medical technology could bring about a miracle. This perspective has helped them appreciate the importance of living in the present moment.
“In this nurturing and supportive environment, we’ve begun to see the light of hope,” Carson shared. “After her illness, Mavis was very afraid of the looks from others, perhaps because she had lost her hair. However, once she has moved into this caring place, everyone treated her just like any other child, which allowed her to regain self-confidence, and her innocent, cheerful smile finally reappeared. At the same time, I could also sense my wife becoming more relaxed.” He expressed deep comfort in knowing that as long as their daughter is healthy and happy, all will be well.
Sustainable Impact: A committed supporter
As the founding mission partner, McDonald’s Hong Kong has been a rock-solid foundation for RMHC Hong Kong over the years, consistently contributing significant resources and lending its influential platform to amplify the charity’s vital work.
Have you caught the latest heart-warming videos from McDonald’s Hong Kong? The fast-food giant’s recent campaign in support of RMHC Hong Kong has taken social media by storm, resonating deeply with viewers and sparking outpouring support for the charitable organization.
Since the inception of Asia’s first Ronald McDonald House in Hong Kong in 1996, McDonald’s Hong Kong has chosen RMHC Hong Kong as their “Charity of Choice”. From fund raising, in-kind services, volunteering, or cause-related marketing promotion, it has supported RMHC Hong Kong programs and services to continue to improve the lives of paediatric patients and their families.
Some fundraising initiatives of McDonald’s Hong Kong for RMHC Hong Kong include Kidathon, a family-friendly race; public donations via McDonald’s official app or donation boxes inside its restaurants.
In recent years, McDonald’s Hong Kong has creatively utilized the reach and influence of social media and celebrity culture in supporting RMHC Hong Kong’s fundraising campaigns. Take the recent video that capturing the local boy band MIRROR’s Keung To, also the charity ambassador of McDonald’s Hong Kong, volunteering at the RMH in Kwun Tong and accepting the housekeeping challenges by the sick children, giving an in-depth perspective of how important the “home away from home” RMHC Hong Kong is creating for families in needs. Watch it now.
Prior to this was the return of the successful “Big Mac Big Heart” campaign featuring yet again Keung To to help raise awareness on the opening of the second RMH in Kwun Tong. Last year, the release of an emotional microfilm “Home is wherever we are together” have captivated the hearts of the audience. A story based on the true story of a family stayed at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) before, the video highlighted the “Family-Centered Care” philosophy of RMHC Hong Kong.
We are deeply appreciative of McDonald’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment as RMHC Hong Kong’s mission founding partner. Their willingness to leverage their extensive resources and platforms to amplify our cause has been transformative, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact within the community.
The microfilm “Home is wherever we are together” has reached over 10 million views and won 7 international awarnds:
2023
Award |
Category |
Result |
2023 US Filmcon Awards |
Commercial/ Promotional Video |
Award Winner |
2023 US Top Short Film Festival |
Best Commercial/ Promotional Video |
Award Winner |
2023 Los Angeles Festigious International Film Festival |
Best Commercial/ Promotional Video |
Award Winner |
2023 New York Festivals – TV & Film Awards |
Corporate Image – Social Good |
Bronze |
2024
Award |
Category |
Result |
2024 AdFest |
Film Craft Lotus – Production – Directing |
Bronze |
2024 Kam Fan Awards |
TVC Film single – Charity, Pro bono and Public service |
Merit |
2024 Indian World Film Festival |
Best Short Film |
Certificate of Excellence |
Photo captions:
- The short film “Home is wherever we are together” is a story based on the experience of a family stayed at Ronald McDonald House (RMH) before.
- McDonald’s Kidathon aims to raise funds for RMHC Hong Kong to support families with ill children.
- Keung To, the charity ambassador of McDonald’s Hong Kong, volunteering at the RMH in Kwun Tong and accepting the housekeeping challenges by the sick children.
- The recent short film produced by McDonald’s Hong Kong helps promote the second RMH located in Kwun Tong.
Sustainable Impact: Nurturing the nurturers
A warm, nourishing bowl of soup can be a soothing balm for the weary hearts of parents tending to their sick children. Recognizing this, volunteers from the Rotary Club of Star Avenue craft delectable homemade soups to bring heartfelt comfort to the families staying at Ronald McDonald House.
In the hectic pace of daily life, a warm bowl of soup can provide a fleeting moment of self-care and relaxation. Yet at Ronald McDonald House (RMH), parents caring for sick children are consumed by an endless cycle of hospital visits or meal preparation for their little ones. Amidst these demanding responsibilities, the parents often neglect their own basic needs, leaving them with no time to leisurely cook a nourishing meal for themselves.
Recognizing the plight of parents at RMH, the Rotary Club of Star Avenue (RCSA) volunteers have stepped up to support the “House Meal Program” program initiated by RMHC Hong Kong. The volunteers prepare nourishing and delectable soups and dishes, providing the families of sick children a moment of respite and comfort amidst their relentless caregiving duties.
Every Thursday, the RMH in Kwun Tong is filled with the tantalizing scent of homemade soup, courtesy of the RCSA volunteers. Behind each steaming bowl lies the meticulous preparation and culinary expertise of Pen and Martina, who arrive early to lovingly prepare the soup, and then wait for the other volunteers to arrive and serve the nourishing meals.
“The Rotary Club of Star Avenue has volunteered at Ronald McDonald House before, but this is the first time we’re making soup,” said Pen. To ensure the families receive a truly comforting meal, Pen recruited her friend Martina, a skilled home cook, to join the volunteer team. They meticulously prepare each batch of warm, delicious soup, infusing every bowl with their culinary expertise and heartfelt care. In doing so, they hope to convey the community’s compassion to the children and their parents through the nourishing, homemade fare.
To ensure the soup is truly nourishing, Martina and her husband dedicate their weekends to procuring the finest ingredients. “Since I retired, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, exploring the markets on Sundays,” Martina explained. Now that she has become a volunteer for the meal program, Martina relishes the opportunity to scour fresh produce markets in different neighborhoods. “We’re always on the hunt for the most high-quality ingredients to make our soups extra special,” Martina said with a smile.
Compared to the relentless demands faced by parents caring for their sick children, Pen and Martina consider their own contributions to be negligible. Yet, if a single bowl of warm, homemade soup can bring a moment of solace and a smile to these weary caregivers, they feel their efforts are more than worthwhile.
Sabina, the President of RCSA, is a steadfast supporter of this volunteer initiative. Every Thursday, she joins the team in the RMH kitchen, helping to prepare the meals and spending time with the resident families.
“I can only imagine the unimaginable challenges these caregivers face on a daily basis – the immense pressure and distress they must endure,” Sabina reflected. “We hope that by providing a nourishing meal and a compassionate presence, these parents will feel the support of our community during this difficult time.”
Sabina has been a dedicated volunteer for many years, and she deeply understands the importance of fostering close ties between diverse charitable organizations and NGOs within the community. The longstanding partnership between RMHC Hong Kong and RCSA is a shining example of this collaborative spirit.
“By facilitating information sharing and the exchange of experiences, this alliance has empowered us to reach and support more people in need,” Sabina explained. She believes that through mutual learning and the adoption of best practices, the entire volunteering sector can continuously evolve and enhance its impact.
While a bowl of steaming soup may not cure all diseases, it conveys a profound message of love and compassion within our community.
House Meal Program
Service: Free lunch Service target: Families of RMH and families with children who regularly visit the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for treatment or follow-up consultations Time: Lunch time of every Thursday Location: Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong Transportation: Free shuttle service from and to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House in Kwun Tong |
Photo captions:
- The volunteers from the Rotary Club of Star Avenue will come to the Kwun Tong House on Thursdays to prepare homemade soup for families in the House.
- Martina and Pen prepare each batch of warm, delicious soup for families at RMH.
- Sabina, the President of RCSA, is a steadfast supporter of the home cooked meal initiated by RMHC Hong Kong.
- RCSA and RMHC Hong Kong has established a long-term collaborative relationship.
Gift of Love: Beyond the canvas
In this summer issue, we continue to explore artworks of the “Gift of Love” project in Kwun Tong House that touches the hearts of many. Cherry Kaeonil, whose works “Circles of Friends” on the 4th floor, “Our Berry Good Friends” on the 10th floor, and “Bellybutton Kids” on the 12th floor, all created a happy escapism – a step away from stress, connecting across generations.
How did you become an artist?
Art has always been a part of my life. I’ve been drawing and doodling for fun ever since I can remember. However, I really learned a lot from finishing the UC San Diego Children’s Book Illustration Program.
Please tell us about the artwork for “Gift of Love”. What are the essential must-have elements to be included and why?
The artworks include Bellybutton Kids, Circle of Friends, and Our Berry Good Friends, all have a fun fantasy, friendly characters, happy escapism, and a bit of childhood nostalgia, which I hope to connect across generations. Take “Bellybutton Kids” for example, everyone who has grown up in Hong Kong has snacked on those sweet and adorable bellybutton biscuits.
What were the experiences participating in this project?
It was smooth as everyone in the project I worked with was good at communicating and responding. They made it easy because they told me exactly what they needed, and I did not have to guess. We were even given a private tour of the building once it was completed. I appreciated that tour a lot, which allowed me to see the art as the families will experience it.
How do you think the artworks could help our children and families?
I hope they will help the brave and amazing children and their families escape from stress to heal together. The artworks are meant to bring fun and joy to their day. In Bellybutton Kids, you can see the different actions each Bellybutton Kids is doing to inspire the viewers’ imagination to go along for the ride. In Our Berry Good Friends, there are little mischievous characters hidden throughout the drawing, so this could be a game to find them all. In Circle of Friends, you can feel the friendliness of these characters rooting for us to heal and to be happy. I hope that these artworks can inspire wonderment, imagination, and a little moment of peace in a faraway place of happiness.
What do you think about the service of RMHC Hong Kong?
The Kwun Tong House is such a great community resource for families in need. The services provided are tremendously important since the RMHC Hong Kong keeps families together and provides unmatched support while they are going through tough times. Hong Kong is lucky to have two houses through the RMHC, and I feel grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible institution doing this super work for our children and families.
Photo captions:
- Circles of Friends on the 4th floor of the Kwun Tong House.
- Our Berry Good Friends on the 10th floor of the Kwun Tong House.
- Bellybutton Kids on the 12th floor of the Kwun Tong House.
Becoming a Steadfast Ally for Ill Children
In the warmth of summer, we celebrate your compassion and dedication to help our young heroes at Ronald McDonald House to regain their health and vitality. Your continued support to our charity fundraising activities will ensure that ill children and their families receive the comprehensive care and resources they need to embark on the road to recovery.
Support Families in Need Through RMHC Hong Kong’s Raffle
RMHC Hong Kong’s annual raffle fundraiser is making a proud return.
The campaign aims to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House in Hong Kong to provide a comfortable and hygienic respite for families of ill children in need.
This year, in addition to the physical raffle ticket, there is also electronic raffle ticket for everyone to choose from. You can go to Alipay Hong Kong – Rewardbuy.shop to purchase, and each ticket is only priced at HK$20. Tickets are available from now until 22 August, and the lucky winners will be drawn on 22 August. Purchasing raffle tickets will not only give you the opportunity to win fabulous prizes, but also make a real contribution to our charitable services.
In addition, we will hold a charity raffle kick-off ceremony on 13 July (Saturday) at the L1 Atrium of Metro City Centre Phase 3, Tseung Kwan O. Artists Grace Chan and Chris Lai Lok-yi as well as our honorary guests will officiate this ceremony. They will also work with the volunteer teams to sell raffle tickets on the spot. There will also be a variety of game booths and performances waiting for you to participate in the day.
Your act of kindness can change the lives of sick children and their families, adding warmth and strength to them.
Visit here to donate or purchase raffle tickets now. You can also purchase raffle tickets at designated McDonald’s® Restaurants and Golden Harvest Cinemas.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy with RMHC Hong Kong
The meaning and value of life has been an important topic for human beings for a long time. Although it is not easy to realize life from death, it is possible for anyone to realize the true meaning of life from the contemplation of death if they prepare early.
As society is becoming more open to the discussion of death and afterlife, planning for the afterlife in advance has gradually stepped out of the taboo category. In view of this, our Legacy Giving Program will hold a free legal seminar on “Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs)” on 17 August (Saturday) at Kwun Tong House, inviting lawyer Ms. Ryanne Lai, co-founder of the social enterprises “Forevergift.hk” and “One Take”, to provide professional advice on the knowledge of wills and EPAs from a legal perspective. Participants can register on-site and arrange a free will drafting service.
At the same time, a well-known speaker, Dr. Bell Chung Cheuk-fai, was invited to attend the seminar and share his touching story of self-healing. Dr. Chung was on the verge of death 20 years ago, but was rescued and miraculously survived. His own experience of life and death triggered his deep thinking about death and life, which led him to some important insights and revelations. He hopes that his experience and insights can inspire more people to cherish life and face death positively.
Due to limited capacity, we cordially invite you to register for this seminar first. On a first-come, first-served basis.
Date: 17 August 2024 (Sat)
Time: 10 am – 1:00 pm
Veune: 2/F, RMHC (Kwun Tong House) Jockey Club Building, 2 Yau Shun Street, Kwun Tong
Fee: Free
Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/N704ubpmNE
Tee Off for a Cause at the RMHC Hong Kong Charity Golf Classic
We cordially invite you to join us for our annual Charity Golf Classic – a premier golfing event that supports our mission of ensuring families can stay together and access essential resources during times of their challenging time.
Each year, this highly anticipated tournament brings together golf enthusiasts and community leaders to enjoy a day on the green while raising critical funds for RMHC Hong Kong. Proceeds from the event allow us to provide a “home away from home” and essential services for families with seriously ill children receiving medical treatment.
The RMHC Hong Kong Charity Golf Classic invites participants to showcase their skills, connect with fellow supporters, and make a meaningful impact. Beyond the 18-hole championship course, the event features exciting prizes and an awards celebration.
Whether you’re an avid golfer or simply appreciate the game, we invite you to tee off with us in support of RMHC Hong Kong. Your participation and sponsorship will directly enable us to alleviate the burdens faced by families during their children’s medical journeys.
Mark your calendars for this year’s Charity Golf Classic on 20 September 2024 at Hong Kong Golf Club – Fanling Eden Course. Register your team or secure your sponsorship today by visiting here.
House Angel Program – New Membership Program
The older we get, the more we will find that the warmest place in the world is home. Are you willing to be the most reliable backing for our big family at RMHC Hong Kong?
The newly launched RMHC Hong Kong membership program – House Angel Program offers compassionate individuals the opportunity to join our mission in a more formal capacity.
As a member, you’ll play a vital role in sustaining our initiatives, which make a profound difference in the lives of families during the most difficult of times. Membership benefits include exclusive updates, priority access to RMHC Hong Kong’s workshops and experiential activities, and more.
Learn more about our new membership program and how you can get involved by visiting here. Let us keep families close when they need it most.
Photo captions:
- Raffle Ticket Sales 2024
- Legacy Giving Program
- Scan to register for the Legacy Giving Program seminar.
- RMHC Hong Kong Charity Classic
- House Angel Program