Ronald McDonald House New York has published a feature highlighting the story of Giselle Morales, LCSW, social work program manager at HSS who focuses on patients living with lupus, an autoimmune disease that often hides in plain sight. 

The piece focuses on Morales' dual perspective, both as a professional who regularly refers families to supportive services, and as a parent who unexpectedly needed those same resources during her daughter's NICU stay. Her personal experience as a parent of a premature infant has deepened her approach to patient care.

“I wanted to be in a position where I can help people… but also feel seen, supported, empowered,” said Morales. After her daughter was born at 32 weeks, she added, “I knew about the House…but I didn't think I qualified. I didn't want to take from someone else.”

Her month-long stay at Ronald McDonald House New York allowed her to remain close to her newborn, advocate during critical moments, and experience firsthand the stability the House provides. “Connection is healing,” she said. “Being able to be there… it's everything.”

This coverage originally appeared on rmh-newyork.org. The original article is no longer available online.