Sick child, family get free home after Hurricane Sandy left them on street

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- After losing everything in Hurricane Sandy and being homeless in Orange County with a sick child, a family of five received the gift they've been wishing for - a home.

Thanks to the Santa Ana Police Department and local non-profits, the Sayongs are in an apartment with 7-year-old Melyssa, who is fighting for her life with leukemia.

"We're here now," said Josh Sayong, father of three girls. "It's totally different than when we first met, and it's going to continue to get better."

KABC-TV first met the Sayongs last November, when they were living in a motel and on the street with their sick child after losing everything in the disastrous storm.

"All we can do is pray and just be there as much as possible and be by her side so she knows we're there for her," said Josh Sayong.

Melyssa spends about a week every month at Children's Hospital of Orange County, and even amidst her own struggle, she insisted on going to the CHOC Walk at Disneyland to support the hospital.

"She wanted to give back and help," said Kathleen Sayong. "So she asked if we could come out as a team and everyone do it together."

As the family continues to fight to get back on their feet, they hope to give back someday and remind everyone that it is special moments like the one they received that get people through the worst of times.

"Very proud of my family, they've gone through a lot and may go through a lot more," said Josh Sayong. "As long as we stick together, we'll be good to go."

A gofundme page has been set up to help Melyssa's battle with leukemia. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/e27b9k