Milta, Joaquin, and Antonio Cruz have been an Operation House Call host family for 17 years. They first started hosting medical students back when Antonio was 5 years old. After taking a break for a few years due to COVID, they are hosting students again, who now get to meet 22-year-old Antonio!
Milta is recently retired from over 40 years working in the healthcare industry. She is shifting to her new focus: Antonio’s self-directed services with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Antonio graduated from SEEM Collaborative in June 2025 and is in the process of transitioning to adult services. He loves taking the train, spending time in Boston (especially at the Frog Pond), going to the theater, and eating out at restaurants. They also visit family in Puerto Rico often, spending time with Milta’s parents and reconnecting with relatives (and getting away from the snow).
In Milta’s words, meeting students through Operation House Call is so important because it’s a chance to focus on building “empathy, compassion, kindness. As a doctor, that’s the foundation.” Milta and Joaquin emphasize that having a child with a disability is “not the end of the world. There is life. It’s not always negative.” They want future doctors to understand the importance of delivering a diagnosis with information, resources, and a more positive outlook. Milta is also involved with the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Parents First Call Program; she knows firsthand how important it is for medical providers to be aware of such resources for their families.
We are so grateful for the Cruz family’s dedication to OHC and their open, honest, and compassionate conversations with students over the years. If you would like to learn more about becoming a host family, please contact Ashley Waring, OHC Family Engagement Director, at awaring@arcmass.org.
