Family of girl with brain cancer says Ronald McDonald House unfairly rejected them

Image 1 of 4

The family of a 4 year old girl battling Stage 4 brain cancer says they were forced to stop treatment in Houston because the Ronald McDonald House denied them housing.

The Garcia’s believe one reason is because they’re Hispanic.  They say like any parent all they want is for their daughter to have a happy childhood.

Her mask muffles the few words she can say.  Jolynn is a proud 4 year old but her journey seems a lot longer.
               
“One day your child's very healthy, the next day they're on life support that's very heartbreaking for any parent,” Evelyn Flores said.

Her mother says right around New Year’s Jolynn was diagnosed with a rare and forceful form of brain cancer Medulloblastoma Stage 4.

“I was praying. The whole time I was praying for God not to take our baby and he answered our prayers,” Flores said,

But now this family says they want God to answer one more prayer.  Jolynn was being treated at MD Anderson back in the summer but when they applied for housing at Ronald McDonald House since they live six hours away, the Garcia’s were told no.

“He didn't have any remorse, He didn't have any sympathy,” Flores said.

Which is why activists from LULAC have jumped in.  The family admits the husband has misdemeanors on his record, but many believe this is also a case of racial profiling.
               
“Just seeing her last name on the list and like we're not going to help her. A lot of people think of Hispanics and Mexicans as a lot of ugly names,” Flores said.

LULAC says the Ronald McDonald House’s board needs more diversity.

“We're also asking that a letter of apology be sent to the Garcia family. We're also asking the Garcia family be compensated,” LULAC Spokesperson Augie Pinedo said.
               
The CEO of Houston’s Ronald McDonald House responded with this lengthy statement:


The Garcia’s plan to take legal action against the organization.