The mission of Ronald McDonald House is to provide a ‘home away from home’ – accommodation for families so they can stay close to their hospitalized children. We believe that when a child is hospitalized, the love and support of family is as powerful as the best medicine prescribed. By providing a comfortable and caring environment, we hope it can help to keep families together during what can be extremely stressful times.
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974 through the efforts of Fred Hill, a Philadelphia Eagles football player. When his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Hill and his wide camped out on hospital chairs and benches, and got by on food from vending machines.
They saw others suffering as they did, and wondered how they could provide temporary housing for families with seriously ill children. With considerable help from local McDonald’s® franchises, they established the very first Ronald McDonald House. Today, there are over 300 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide, providing thousands of rooms for families each night all over the world.