Since its inception in 2009, Arms Wide Open has supported the Ronald McDonald House - NYC. This holiday season, we're facing a unique challenge that requires our community's help.

The Ronald McDonald House - NYC's second floor is currently undergoing a major renovation, which means the families staying there do not have access to a kitchen to prepare their child's meals.

Although the RMH is doing its best to provide meals for the families, I know firsthand the challenges of feeding a child who is undergoing cancer treatment. At times, there will be only a limited selection of foods they can tolerate, at times they may only want one certain food, at times they may only be able to drink their meals, in which case high-protein smoothies might be the best way to get them their proper nutrition, at times their food choices can be unique as their palates change due to chemotherapy, and a lot of times, after a long day at the hospital, your child's eating schedule is off and they might not feel up to eating until very late at night, so having the ability to prepare your child a meal they desire when they desire it is optimal; at this point, that is not an option.

The combination of financial strain from having a child with cancer, being away from home during the holidays, and now having no access to a kitchen to prepare meals and snacks creates a very difficult situation for these families, especially in light of our current times when so many are facing food insecurity.

Our solution to help these children and their families is to raise funds to provide the families with Uber Eats and DoorDash gift cards so families can order the meals or snacks of their child's choice and have them delivered directly to them without having to take their sick child out to buy the meal or snack they desire.

Gift cards start at $50, and you can purchase as many as you'd like. Our goal is to to let the families know they are seen, cared for and loved by raising enough to provide gift cards for all 95 families staying at the RMH-NYC this holiday season, .

As a cancer family who was in the hospital during the holidays and who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House - NYC throughout the holiday season, we truly know firsthand what this support means.

We are thankful for all you continue to do to come alongside of us to support children battling cancer and their families and would be humbled if you were able to contribute to this effort as well.

With Faith, Love, and Much Hope for a Cure,

The Sherwood Family and the rest of the Arms Wide Open Team

Ronald McDonald House - NYC Holiday Family Fund

Help feed childhood cancer families this holiday season