Eight-year-old pediatric cancer survivor rang the Gala’s “Closing Bell” on stage to mirror the NYSE’s daily tradition and bell she rang when she was declared cancer-free; Broadway Inspirational Voices delivered showstopping performance
Annual Gala, hosted by Emmy Award-winning news anchor Cheryl Wills, raised over $2.7 million to advance organization’s mission
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–More than 1,000 New Yorkers joined Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) for its Together in Gold: Annual Gala to honor eight-year-old Ayda following her battle with a neuroblastoma tumor and the thousands of other patients the organization has served since its inception more than 45 years ago. The Gala – which was held on Tuesday, September 30 at Cipriani Wall Street – commemorated Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the “Go Gold” campaign while raising over $2.7 million to further RMH-NY’s mission to advance health equity and provide care, support and services to families battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
At the heart of the evening, Ayda and her parents – who stayed at RMH-NY on East 73rd Street while she recovered from surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – took the stage to ring the “closing bell,” a powerful symbol that echoed both the New York Stock Exchange’s daily tradition and the bell rung by cancer survivors to mark the end of treatment.
“During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and every day, our organization is committed to keeping families together, creating moments of normalcy, and spreading hope as they face pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses,” said Dr. Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of RMH-NY. “Every three minutes, a family receives the life-shattering news that their child has been diagnosed with cancer. At Ronald McDonald House New York, we help ease that burden and advance health equity by providing vital services, programs, and reimagined spaces to meet families’ evolving needs. The critical funds raised through this year’s Gala will ensure that no family feels alone whether at our House or in partnering hospitals across New York City. We are honored to celebrate brave warriors like Ayda, along with all our patients and their families, and extend our sincere gratitude to our honorees, sponsors and supporters who have made an enduring impact.”
Just before her second birthday, Ayda – called a miracle baby by her family – was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma tumor following months of uncertainty and doctor visits. After five months of chemotherapy and treatments in Florida without her tumor shrinking, her doctors recommended a high-risk surgery. Ayda and her parents traveled to New York for the procedure at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, making the difficult decision to leave their one-year-old son with family. At the House on the Upper East Side, Ayda and her parents found more than a place to stay – they found a community and home away from home. Today, Ayda is a thriving eight-year-old who loves theater, reading, cheerleading, and hockey, thanks to the life-saving surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and the compassionate care of RMH-NY.
This year’s event was emceed by Emmy Award-winning news anchor with NY1, talk show host and author Cheryl Wills, who opened the evening by welcoming guests. Ronald McDonald House New York President & CEO Dr. Ruth C Browne recognized this year’s honorees for their dedication to RMH-NY’s mission: Lynn Martin, president, New York Stock Exchange Group (NYSE); Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer, Mastercard; and Vince Tizzio, president and CEO, AXIS.
During the Gala, former RMH-NY resident Steven Brandt, now a successful adult and pediatric cancer survivor, presented the Medicine Gives Hope Award to the surgeon who saved his life: Richard J. O’Reilly, MD, Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and RMH-NY Founding Board Member, honoring his extraordinary contributions to advancing pediatric cancer treatment.
Attendees were also treated to a special performance of Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” by Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse choir and service organization powered by Broadway artists using music to inspire hope and change lives.
RMH-NY supports families from New York City, across the U.S. and around the world in the fight against pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses through its House on East 73rd Street in Manhattan as well as in partnering New York City hospitals.
The Together in Gold: Annual Gala was made possible through major event sponsors including AIG, AXIS, Blavatnik Family Foundation, Marsh, Mastercard, NYSE, Ryan Turner Specialty, and State Street Management.
To learn more about RMH-NY’s Annual Gala and the organization’s mission or to make a contribution, please visit: gala.rmh-newyork.org.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) is New York City’s House. The organization provides temporary housing for children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with devastating diagnoses. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 16 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families with children with serious illnesses at these hospitals working to address the social determinants of health inequalities faced within the New York City community. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org.
Contacts
Samantha Howath
Marino.
212.402.3499
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