Macy's surprises cancer patients by transforming Ronald McDonald House NY into winter wonderland
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Macy's volunteers surprised pediatric cancer patients at The Ronald McDonald House in New York on Tuesday afternoon by transforming the care center into a winter wonderland with its iconic festive décor.
The Macy's team decorated the lobby, living room and kitchen area with design elements from its Herald Square Flagship display, brightening the holidays for children who are battling cancer and helping to make the House feel more like home for the families.
The famed holiday décor is part of the Ronald McDonald House's 40th anniversary celebration of Share A Night on Dec. 4.
There are hundreds of Christmas trees, loads of ornaments, yards of wrapping paper, and a small army of volunteers to make sure all of decorations are just right on all 11 floors of the Upper East Side facility.
Five-year-old cancer patient Michael Esquivel was mesmerized by it all.
"Michael's favorite time of the year is Christmas, so decorations are his thing," mom Kelly Esquivel said. "And so we spend a lot of time doing it at home, and he's missing out on that. So he's loving this."
The family is from Chicago but in New York City as Michael undergoes treatment for a relapse of Stage 4 neuroblastoma, which has no cure. He was diagnosed as a baby.
"It was devastating," Kelly said. "We had no idea anything was wrong. To hear your child has cancer is overwhelming."
This is Paulyna Garcia's second year volunteering.
"Last year, I didn't really get to see any of the kids," she said. "It's awesome. He's here with us this year. It really is good to see his face and see how happy he is."
Share A Night is open to the community and will feature various festivities throughout the entire House, including music, food and beverages, a performance by Broadway Inspirational Voices and more.
The Ronald McDonald House's mission is to provide temporary housing and care for pediatric cancer patients and their families from around the world in a strong, supportive and caring environment.
----------
