Volunteer

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. 

 

Return to Summer 2024 Newsletter

Application Form

Hidden
First Name (Same as ID card)(Required)
Last Name (Same as ID card)(Required)
Document links cannot be larger than 5 MB.
(e.g. cover letter, CV, academic proof and employment proof)
Maximum 5 documents and each with a file size limit of 5MB.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

    This will close in 0 seconds

    In-Kind Donation Form

    Donor Contact Information

    Item Details

    Estimated Value *
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

      For enquiries, please contact House Team through the information below:


      Tel: (+852) 2947 8778 (Office Hour: 09:00 - 18:30)
      Fax: (+852) 2947 8780
      Email: Kwun Tong House - [email protected]; Shatin House - [email protected]

      This will close in 0 seconds

      Thank you for your sign up!

      參加者請按以下指定金額於「其他金額」空格內輸入
      合適金額。

       

      10公里: HK$1,800 或以上
      半程馬拉松: HK$2,000 或以上
      全程馬拉松: HK$2,500 或以上

      參加者請按以下指定金額於「其他金額」空格內輸入合適金額。

       
      10公里: HK$1,800 或以上
      半程馬拉松: HK$2,000 或以上
      全程馬拉松: HK$2,500 或以上

      E-wallet Donation

      We welcome e-wallet donations through the following platforms !

      Please keep your bank transfer record/AlipayHK/Octopus/PayMe confirmation payment records and send us by email ([email protected]) or by fax to 2947 8780 with this form.

      Test8/5

      Sha Tin House

      Item
      Boxed Tissue Paper
      Toilet Rolls
      Alcohol Wipes
      Disinfecting Wipes
      Disinfectants or Antiseptic Liquid for Household Cleaning
      Dishwashing Detergent
      Kitchen Sponges
      Laundry Powder and Softener
      Medium Size Rubbish Bags

      Kwon Tong House

      Item
      Boxed Tissue Paper
      Toilet Rolls
      Disinfecting Wipes
      Jif Cleanser
      Kitchen Sponges (Non Scratch)
      Laundry Powder and Softener
      Rubbish Bags(51cmx51cm -white)
      Towel
      Saran Wrap / Ziploc Bag/ Aluminium foil

      Not Accepted Items

      Sha Tin House

      Item
       
       
       
       
       
       

      Kwon Tong House

      Item
       
       
       
       
       
       

      Toys

      Sha Tin House

      Item
      Switch Games
      Plush Toys (Vending Machine)
      “Lego”  Toys
      “Marvel”  Toys
      “Frozen”  Toys
      Electronic Products

      Kwon Tong House

      Item
      Switch Games
      PS5 Games
      “Lego”  Toys
      “Marvel” Toys
      “Frozen” Toys
      Electronic Products

      Application Form

      Hidden
      First Name (Same as ID card)(Required)
      Last Name (Same as ID card)(Required)
      Document links cannot be larger than 5 MB.
      (e.g. cover letter, CV, academic proof and employment proof)
      Maximum 5 documents and each with a file size limit of 5MB.
      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

        IN THE KITCHEN/Food Bank

        ItemQty.Approx Monetary Value(HK)
        Organic Sunflower Cooking Oil (500ml)

        30 bottles

        $2400
        Vegetarian Rice Noodles

        30 packs

        $1800
        Soup Packets30 packs$1280

        Organic Gummy Bears (25g x 10)

        30 packs$2100
        Organic Biscuits (400g)30 packs$1200
        Enviromental Friendly Dish Washing Detergent30 pcs$1800
        Saran Wrap / Ziploc Bag/ Aluminium foil/Butter paper30 pcs$1200

        SPONSOR A HOUSE MEAL / DIRECT SERVICE

        Item Details Approx Monetary Value(HK)
        Fresh Fruits Sponsor weekly fresh fruits for 60 guests $3000/month
        Fresh Meat Sponsor weekly fresh meat for 60 guests $4000/month
        Organic Vegetables Sponsor monthly fresh vegetables for 60 guests $4000/month
        Supermarket Coupons Sponsor monthly supermarket coupons for 60 guests $4000/month
        House Meal Sponsor a House Meal for 60 guests $6000/meal

        AROUND THE HOUSE

        Item Qty. Approx Monetary Value(HK)
        Liquid laundry detergent & softener 30 sets $2100
        Facial box tissues 250 boxes $1000
        Toilet Rolls 30 packs $1200
        Garbage bags for house unit 51cmx51cm (white) (50 pcs/pack) 30 packs $750
        Trash bags for kitchen (black) (100 pcs/pack) 5 packs $650

        IN THE KITCHEN/Food Bank

        ItemQty.Approx Monetary Value(HK)
        Organic Sunflower Cooking Oil (500ml)

        30 bottles

        $2400
        Vegetarian Rice Noodles

        30 packs

        $1800
        Soup Packets30 packs$1280

        Organic Gummy Bears (25g x 10)

        30 packs$2100
        Organic Biscuits (400g)30 packs$1200
        Enviromental Friendly Dish Washing Detergent30 pcs$1800
        Saran Wrap / Ziploc Bag/ Aluminium foil/Butter paper30 pcs$1200

        Kitchen Supplies

        Sha Tin House

        Item
        Kitchen Scissors
        Kitchen Peelers for Carrots & Potatoes
        Extra Large Size Rubbish Bags (Heavy Duty)
        Kitchen Plastic Wrap with Easy Cutter (550 ft)
        Glad Aluminium Foil (75 ft)
        Cleaning Towels

        Kwon Tong House

        Item
        Kitchen Scissors
        Kitchen Peelers for Carrots & Potatoes
        Kitchen Plastic Wrap with Easy Cutter (550 ft)
        Glad Aluminium Foil (75 ft)
        Cleaning Towels

        Daily Supplies

        Sha Tin House

        Item
        Boxed Tissue Paper
        Toilet Rolls
        Alcohol Wipes
        Disinfecting Wipes
        Disinfectants or Antiseptic Liquid for Household Cleaning
        Dishwashing Detergent
        Kitchen Sponges
        Laundry Powder and Softener
        Medium Size Rubbish Bags

        Kwon Tong House

        Item
        Boxed Tissue Paper
        Toilet Rolls
        Disinfecting Wipes
        Jif Cleanser
        Kitchen Sponges (Non Scratch)
        Laundry Powder and Softener
        Rubbish Bags(51cmx51cm -white)
        Towel
        Saran Wrap / Ziploc Bag/ Aluminium foil

        Food Items

        Sha Tin House

        Item
        Cooking Oil 
        Dry Noodles or Pasta – Udon, Buckwheat Noodles, Rice Noodles, Macaroni
        Cereals–Corn Flakes, Oatmeal
        Supermarket Coupons

        Kwon Tong House

        Item
        Cooking Oil 
        Dry Noodles or Pasta – Udon, Buckwheat Noodles, Rice Noodles, Macaroni
        Cereals–Corn Flakes, Oatmeal
        Soup Packets
        Soda Crackers (Individually packed)
        Supermarket Coupons
        Eggs (10pcs./Pack)
        Fresh Fruits (weekly)

        Donor Contact Information

        Item Details

        Estimated Value *
        Drop files here or
        Max. file size: 5 MB, Max. files: 5.

          For enquiries, please contact House Team through the information below:


          Tel: (+852) 2947 8778 (Office Hour: 09:00 - 18:30)
          Fax: (+852) 2947 8780
          Email: Kwun Tong House - [email protected]; Shatin House - [email protected]