Meet Ryu

Ryu, only 4 years old, recently started undergoing treatment for retinoblastoma, a cancer that develops within the eye. At the time of his diagnosis, his mother, the primary financial provider for his family, had recently lost her job. She was concerned how her husband’s job would be able to sustain their entire family as the new treatment costs could last months to years. Once treatment began, the bills started piling up, as did his mother’s anxiety about the future, paying rent, paying utilities and affording basic needs like food. The ECF caseworker immediately started regular grocery delivery and sending grocery gift cards. The family also received Christmas gifts for Ryu and his brother so that they could have a special day like many of our own children do. ECF also stepped in and was able to assist with the family’s rent payment, sending a check to the landlord within one day of the request.