AUGUST 2023
From Our House
to Yours
of the Red River Valley
Family Story
The Molina Family In July 2021, Maribell Gonzales and her son Emmy Molina traveled from Texas to Fargo to visit Maribell’s daughter Gabriella and new grandchild. They never imagined that short visit would turn into an over 3-year cancer journey. Just 2 days prior to their flight back to Texas, 16-year-old Emmy began to complain about his bones hurting and swelling in his feet. Emmy was taken to Essentia Health for evaluation, with hopes that medication might make the journey home more comfortable. While there for observation, Emmy spiked a fever of 104.5O, and more tests were run. He was diagnosed with leukemia on July 9, 2021. At that moment Maribell said, “It hit me.” She felt her world had stopped. Emmy was quickly transferred to Sanford’s Roger Maris Cancer Center where he met with his “superhero team.” Because treatment for leukemia requires the child to stay at the same facility, the family was given the option to fly back to Texas or
to stay in Fargo. With treatment options in Texas being a significant commute from their home and the hopes to begin treatment immediately, Maribell decided the best thing for Emmy was to stay in Fargo for the three-year treatment schedule. However, this meant they needed a place to stay until they could secure housing in the area, which is when they were referred to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley (RMHC) – a place they called “home” until November 2021. Navigating the roller coaster of cancer treatment is no easy task, but having to do so while hundreds of miles from home is even more difficult. For Maribell and Emmy, having people at RMHC who guided their path made all the difference. According to Maribell, they have made life-long friends and even call RMHC their “ND family.” Having warm food, a comfortable bed, and a game room for Emmy to have some “teenager time” meant everything. Maribell said being able to connect with other parents navigating their child’s cancer journey helped her to know what to expect and what resources to ask for. Emmy also has autism and having a routine is key in helping Emmy manage his day-to-day Continued on pg. 2
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