Giri-Kotak Family

Cleveland is a long way from San Jose, California, but for Ashika Giri and Rumit Kotak, no distance was too great to help their child. When six-year-old Thea qualified for specialized surgery to treat her epilepsy, the couple quickly planned a trip across the country. A social worker from the hospital asked where they would stay while in Cleveland, and recommended that they reach out to RMHC NEO. The family of four—Ashika, Rumit, Thea, and four-year-old Caleb—arrived in October of 2023 for what they thought would be a short stay.

Ashika recounted how their arrival to the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House was delayed past 11 p.m., but the front desk staff happily waited to check them in and give them a tour. Ashika shared that after this simple act of kindness, she knew they were in good hands.

What was supposed to be a one-night, two-day trip turned into a 173-day residence in Cleveland while Thea remained hospitalized. The family quickly had to adapt to living 2,300 miles from home. Luckily, Thea and Caleb’s grandparents were able to travel and stay at the Cleveland House, allowing the whole family to be together and share in caring for both kids.

Caleb working hard!

It wasn’t long after the family checked into the Cleveland House that Thea’s little brother, Caleb, made himself at home. He quickly made his presence known by helping “fix” anything from banisters to doorknobs. As a surprise to Caleb, the House Operations team supplied him with his very own toy tool set, hard hat, and construction vest from their supply of donated toys. Those in the House who didn’t see him with tools will likely have heard him on his toy phone calling his “construction team” and building block buildings in the playroom—which doubled as Ashika’s office.

Thea and Caleb with friends.

The care the family received from RMHC NEO continued beyond the walls of the House. During a visit with Thea in the hospital, a RMHC NEO volunteer rolled the Happy Wheels cart into their room to offer the family coffee, snacks and comfort items—and invite them to visit the Ronald McDonald Family Room just around the corner.

On the day of Thea’s surgery, they spent over three hours in the Family Room, and were able to freshen up, grab lunch and relax while staying close to their child. The Room continued to be their haven throughout Thea’s hospitalization.

Caleb and friend in cafeteria with volunteer character.

Ashika emphasized the programs are more than just physical spaces—the details the staff and volunteers put into the House and Family Room that make them inclusive for everyone. She says, “it’s about all the little things that add up. This place provides the look and feel of being as close to home as possible.”

The kitchen at the Cleveland House, in particular, has a special place in their hearts. “Having access to the meals is a sense of relief. When you leave the hospital at 4 a.m., you can go in and grab something to eat”, said Rumit. “We quickly started to connect with other families in the House and share stories.”

Ashika often enjoyed taking a moment for herself in the Cleveland House kitchen. One morning, with a few tears rolling down her face, she was joined by another mom. Although the woman did not speak English, the shared company and sense of being understood was more than enough to comfort Ashika.

After 173 nights in Cleveland, the Giri-Kotak family was able to return to their home in San Jose, California, Thea is doing well, and Caleb is busy with his construction projects there.

A child’s diagnosis effects the whole family, including siblings. Find sibling support resources on RedTreehouse.org.

• Support for Siblings
• Sibling Support Resource Pathway