17 May The Journey to a Home away from home!
At 13 years old, Sugey Arzate Acosta was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Her world, once filled with school, friends, and dreams of the future, was suddenly overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Sugey’s family, from their hometown of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, was determined to get her the best care. Faced with the difficult decision of where to seek treatment, they knew the United States offered the best chance for Sugey’s recovery.
Her mother, Beatriz, made the heart-wrenching decision to leave home and travel to the U.S. in search of hope. With no family or friends by their side, they arrived in Austin, uncertain of what lay ahead. That’s when they found us—Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.
Sugey, Beatriz, and her brother, Sergio, walked through our doors and were immediately greeted with more than just a roof over their heads. “It felt peaceful,” Sugey said. “I didn’t feel scared here. I felt like I could rest and focus on getting better.”
Though they were far from their home and loved ones, the Arzate Acosta family found something special at our House: community. They met other families who understood their pain and fears and, in turn, formed deep bonds. “It wasn’t just about making friends,” Beatriz shared. “It was like finding a new family, one that understood what we were going through. We shared our worries and our hopes, and when our children started to heal, we celebrated together.
As the days turned into months, the family found comfort not just in each other but in the spirit of the House. They joined in holiday events, like trick-or-treating and a visit from Santa Claus, creating memories that helped fill the void of being away from home. One of Beatriz’s most treasured memories is the New Year’s Eve they spent with other families at the House. “We cooked together, shared a meal, and celebrated the new year. It wasn’t the family we had back home, but it was a family of a different kind—one united by love and support.”
Sugey, who had grown close to the staff and other families, often helped around the House—organizing the kitchen and staying busy. It was her way of giving back, a testament to her strength and gratitude for everything the House had provided.
Looking back, Beatriz shares that without Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, their journey would have been much harder. “There’s no way we could have made it through without the support of this House. It gave us hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging when we needed it most.”