With a countdown and the push of a button, Philadelphia’s Ronald McDonald House turned into a mini North Pole on Chestnut Street Tuesday night. Dozens braved the foggy weather while others peered out their windows to watch the magic happen.
For the Sanchez family and so many others who live here, this place is home for the holidays.
“To be here and all be together and celebrate the holidays, Christmas lights and Christmas trees [under] one roof – incredible. It’s just complete,” said Eva Sanchez. CBS News Philadelphia first spoke to the Florida family during the annual RMHC Telethon last month.
Tuesday night’s party was complete with s’mores, games and most importantly, the whole family together again.
“I love Christmas lights in Florida, so I’m used to all this, and it’s awesome,” said Zayden Sanchez.
This time last year, Zayden was admitted to hospital just as he found out he had cancer. Not long after, the teen came to Philadelphia with his mother for treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
His father and sister joined them a few months later in the City of Brotherly Love.
“I thought we were going to miss Christmas and everything. I didn’t know they were going to experience all this. It feels like we didn’t miss anything,” Jeno Sanchez said.
However, the event was more than the blinding lights: there was a tree over four meters high and there was singing. It also honored a visionary.
Dr. lives at 39th and Chestnut Street. Audrey Evans, the co-founder of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, continues as the honorary street name for the block.
CBS News Philadelphia
“When you drive by and see the block of Dr. Audrey Evans Way, know that there is hope,” said Susan Campbell, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia region.
That hope has existed for more than 50 years for the Ronald McDonald House charities, and it extends to the Sanchez family after Zayden received a bone marrow transplant with his mother as the donor.
“We’re showing 100% donor cells, which means his body won’t accept the transplant. That’s all we can ask for! That’s my Christmas present for a while. I’m happy with that – yes!” said Eva, holding herself back. tears.
