Sutton Place PT’s NEXT STEPS Program Helps Caregivers at Ronald McDonald 

Since its founding in 1979, Ronald McDonald House® New York has provided temporary lodging and care for more than 59,000 families while their child battles cancer. Located on East 73rd Street in Manhattan and near eight major hospital systems, Ronald McDonald House New York welcomes children and families from across the world. The House can accommodate 95 families, including six post-transplant suites.

The Blavatnik Family Foundation Wellness Center serves the parents/ caregivers staying at Ronald McDonald House® by providing respite and critical self-care support for the mind, body, and spirit. With that mission in mind, a variety of fitness classes and equipment, meditation sessions, massage and spa services, healing music classes, nutrition workshops, and stress-management discussions are offered daily. 

Once a week, Sutton Place Physical Therapy’s Ellen Greene, LMT, CLT provides chair massages to caregivers in the wellness center. Sutton Place Physical Therapy also offers all parents/caregivers that need physical therapy while in New York, the treatm

ent they need. “Ronald McDonald House plays an important role in our community,” says Carol Stillman, Founder of Sutton Place Physical Therapy. “When we realized Ellen could help even one person and our clinic could help, even more, we immediately scheduled the time. Our NEXT STEPS program, which includes personal training, massage therapy, Pilates, aquatics, and yoga, aligns perfectly with the wellness center.”

“I feel good! It’s a moment just for me, to relax, regain strength, and even to ‘sleep,’” says Nilvia, a mom to a 20 months old child. Nilvia and her family traveled from the Dominican Republic for treatment.

“For even a brief moment, Ellen’s massages give our caregivers the ability to take a deep breathe and relax, says Jillian McKiernan, Wellness Manager.” We always have a waitlist. It’s also a fantastic gift to be able to offer our caregivers a local physical therapy option should they need care.” “Everyone needs to be touched,” adds Ellen.. “Touch is very grounding. Giving makes one relevant. Everyone needs to give. I love being able to help even for a moment.  Being a caregiver is not easy, and Ronald McDonald House tries to help bring some normalcy back to these families’ lives.