Moses’ mom: “We have a wonderful time at RMHC Hong Kong – the kids-friendly facilities, the supportive staff. There is love and encouragement everywhere in the house.”
A Sudden Change
Moses, 13, has always been bubbly and healthy. Until late 2024, he suddenly developed a high fever for more than two months and was admitted to the PICU immediately. When the doctor diagnosed Moses with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in this January, his mom had a hard time to believe such bad news would befall Moses. He lost 20 kilograms due to this.
Moses’ mom decided to be a full-time parent after realizing the incident. She started commuting home and hospital to take care of Moses’ daily life. The tedious chores and long travels had stressed her out. Moreover, she could not bear to see the deserted sight in front of Moses’ bed. She could only stare at the fragile and immobile body through the window, feeling desperate and upset in her heart.
Accommodation in the Kwun Tong House
Moses’ mom has a bestie, a big fan of Keung To, who recommends her the Ronald McDonald House located at Kwun Tong. Coincidentally, the hospital social worker provides relevant arrangements for them. “The House is not only a 7-10 minute drive from the Children’s Hospital but also has a warm, comfortable atmosphere and is well-furnished. As everyone recommends us to stay at RMHC, this must be a matter of fate,” said Moses’ mom. With the assistance of all parties, the family moved to the Kwun Tong House and began their journey.
One Cozy Day at RMHC
Established in 2023, the Kwun Tong House is designed with distinctive colors to make sick children feel comfortable and happy – inspire them to cope with hospital treatments positively. The free shuttle bus service aids Moses’ family to travel between the Kwun Tong House and the Hospital without hassle.
Apart from the spacious and bright bedroom, Moses and Mom’s favorite place is the Communal Kitchen. Due to his sickness, Moses has to manage his diet strictly, he must have freshly cooked meals served every day. The Communal Kitchen is well equipped with fridges and necessary utensils. Moses’ mom enjoys spending time at the kitchen and chatting with other parents. This is how they exchange thoughts and give supports to one another – it is not easy for anyone to get through the barricades.
In his spare time, Moses spends a quiet and comfy moment with his iPad at the “little hut”. It is the cozy booth seat next to the Communal Kitchen. He also enjoys the bright skylight area on a different floor, which he can play games with his visiting friends and take lectures with Red Cross teachers. These places allowed him plenty of personal space. “I like playing online games, and I am working on our own game with my friends – developing games is my biggest dream,” proudly said by Moses. He stays at his “little hut” to pursue his dream. The round-the-clock service of RMHC helps Moses to keep the optimistic and positive attitude. He treasures his time at the “little hut”, where he can appreciate the sunlight through the big window, and continue to take meals, develop games, enjoy private moments to himself. Even he may not be having good times with friends, he believes those days are not far from achieving.
Hope Lies Ahead
Moses regains his body weight to 64 kilograms and is about to undergo the Stage 4 treatment. One day, Moses’ mom looks at the “Tree of Life” in the House, recollecting her memory at the House and saying with gratitude. “The name of donors on ‘Tree of Life’ represent their precise support to us, and I am very touched. We are lucky to stay at RMHC as we receive warm welcome and support from staff and families, the kitchen and the bedroom are nice and clean, last but not least our “little hut” with sunshine that gives us light and hope such that we can continued living in a healthy and clean environment without worries.”
Furthermore, Moses’ mom hopes her son to have speedy recovery and return to his daily routines with his family and friends as soon as possible. “Keep fighting the disease! Mom will always have your back!” Moses is sitting next to his mom, he instantly gives her a hug and whispers in her ear, “Thank you, mom. I know you are always there for me. I love you, mom!”
