Together, we help local families facing uncertainty and despair.
When Pedro, a young boy with Down syndrome and autism, achieved remission after five years of leukemia treatments, allowing for a bone marrow transplant in January 2020, his mother was hopeful her son would soon be on the road to a full recovery and their family would see brighter days.
At the onset of the pandemic, ua ʻike mākou i ka ʻeleʻele a pau i ke ahi. Ua pilikia nui nā ʻoihana Iudaio. Ua nele ko lakou mau halekuai, Pedro’s mother, Alexandra, was informed that she would be unable to work due to the risks of exposing her family to COVID-19 and Pedro’s treatment requirements. Her hopes turned to despair, as Alexandra knew she would not be able to provide for her family’s basic needs.
Without any support or extended family to assist her, Alexandra was referred to the Y for rent assistance by the Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Division at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center.
In January, Pedro received the bone marrow transplant he desperately needed from his sister and, this spring, the Y’s emergency cash assistance program was able to provide Alexandra and her children the funds to cover their rent, so they could focus on Pedro’s health.
Because of the Y’s generous donors and funders, we’re able to support families in crisis, to help them overcome uncertainty and find hope.
In light of the continuing impact of the pandemic, we need your help to continue to provide aid to the most vulnerable people in our community. Please make a gift today.
Thank you for your support.
