‘May your troubles be less and your blessings be more'

Warwick family opens home and heart to strangers in need, By Roger Gavan Warwick — They’re a family of five from a foreign land without family or friends in the United States. They have a very sick child and they are all crammed into one small room where they have been living for four months and expect to stay for at least another four months. And although they are heavily in debt, they are not complaining. In fact, they are grateful. No. These are not illegal immigrants although they’ve had a few problems extending their visas. Richard and Yvonne Brown are citizens of the United Kingdom and they are both detectives working out of Scotland Yard. They are here because their son Jack, age 5, is fighting a rare form of cancer and their best, perhaps only, hope for a cure is available at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Now, their home away from home, where they live with Jack, his sister Rhian, 7, and brother Connor, 10, is a single room at a Ronald McDonald House in Manhattan. The world-famous charity organization provides temporary housing and meals for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. “When I learned about this family through the Fraternal Order of Police,” said Michael Jordan, “I knew they needed our prayers and our support and maybe a hug.” Jordan, a native of Ireland, who lives in Warwick with his wife, Marge, is a retired New York City detective. Although donations to help pay for treatments and prescriptions would be welcome, Jordan also had another idea. ‘What Warwick is all about’ “Right now the Browns are scared and to take away some of that fear,” he said, “they could use a little family-type compassion.” In a letter addressed to fellow police officers, Jordan suggested taking the family to a baseball game, a family restaurant or, in warmer weather, a beach or a picnic. “I also thought that if we could get the word out, there may be someone who owns an apartment near the upper East Side that’s not being used all of the time,” he said. “It would be wonderful if the Browns could have a place to stay with room to stretch out, even for a short time.” Perhaps with that in mind, Michael and Marge Jordan not only invited the family to stay with them during the Springfest weekend, but also picked them up at the Ronald McDonald House. The family had received word that Friday about some good test results and did not have to return to the hospital until Monday. While they were enjoying Springfest with the Jordans, the group stopped for lunch at Yesterday’s. When the restaurant’s owner, John Christison, learned where they were from and why they were in Warwick, he refused to take any payment for the meal. “This is what Warwick is all about,” smiled Jordan. ‘An Irish blessing’ That Saturday and Sunday, the Jordans also took their guests to the Vernon Spa which was not only fun for the family but provided an opportunity for young Jack to benefit from the therapeutic value of the warm water. The Browns, Jordan explained, have simple tastes and appreciate going to a zoo or a sporting event rather than anything extravagant. But because they never know what their schedule will be from day to day, they sometimes have to refuse an otherwise welcome invitation. “This is about ordinary people, just like the rest of us, who suddenly find themselves in desperate need of help,” said Jordan. “I’m reminded of an Irish blessing: ‘May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.’ “We can bring some happiness through the Brown’s door. We can reach out to share some of our happiness and good fortune. And as we reach out, we can not only touch their hands but we can also touch their hearts.” Essential information Anyone interested in making a donation to help pay medical expenses can visit: jackbrownappeal.org. Yvonne Brown has also set up a special account to pay for costly medications, and donations can be sent directly to her at the Ronald McDonald House, 405 East 73rd St. #707, New York, NY 10021. For additional information you can also call Michael Jordan at 986-8939.