Guest Experiences
Extended Family Helps Boy Battle Cancer
Three generations of the Candido family—from two continents—came together at the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut to help a young boy battle cancer. During their eleven-month stay, the family captured the hearts of all who met them.
Five-year-old Maurizio, his brother, Gianfranco, and his
parents, Claudia and Gilberto Candido, arrived at the
House on a dreary October evening in 2006. Even
though they were exhausted from the long trip from
Venezuela, they looked forward to meeting radiologist Dr.
Kevin Roberts at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Dr. Nelson
Urdaneta, their physician in Caracas, had trained and taught
at Yale University and referred them to Dr. Roberts. They
prayed that specialists here would be able to help. Happily,
their prayers were answered and Maurizio’s health has been
restored.
Maurizio (Maui) was diagnosed with rhabdomysarcoma, a form of childhood cancer that attacked his leg. When he first arrived, Maui found walking so painful that he had to use a wheelchair. Chemotherapy and radiation provided relief and he quickly resumed his normal activities.
Maui’s bald head was often the only sign of his ordeal. His bright smile dazzled everyone who met him and he remained in good spirits between frequent trips to the hospital. The constant support of his family allowed him to remain strong. In addition to his parents and three-year-old brother, Gianfranco, Maui was supported by his grandparents, Giuseppe and Maria Luisa de Balduini, who stayed for months at a time, leaving their home in Venezuela.
Maria Luisa could often be found in the kitchen preparing family-style meals and engaging guests in conversation. Giuseppe spent lots of time in the family room, playing games with his grandsons when he wasn’t surfing the net to learn more about Maui’s condition. The grandparents provided love and a sense of normalcy, freeing up Claudia and Gilberto to be with Maui at the hospital while Gianfranco was well cared for at the House.
Visits from Claudia’s sister, Monica, boosted family morale. Monica left work and life behind in her home in Italy to share her love and dedication as a sister, aunt, and daughter. Her visits also allowed the grandparents some much-deserved rest and the opportunity to return to Venezuela for a brief respite.
It was fitting that a farewell party for the Candidos would be a potluck supper for guests and volunteers who had come to know the family. There were tears and hugs as the bittersweet moment came to say goodbye. The following morning, Maui ran down the stairs and out the door on his way to Disney World before returning home to Venezuela with his family.
The family remains in touch with staff and volunteers, sending frequent emails and photos from home. We look forward to seeing them again when they return for follow up visits in December.
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