“In 1978, the Ronald McDonald House of New York opened their doors to families with children undergoing cancer therapy in New York City. Families come to stay at the House after their child is diagnosed with cancer and is sent to a New York City medical center for last resort treatment. Each family is referred to the House through a hospital social worker, on the basis of need. Since first opening, the Ronald McDonald has been a “home away from home” for over 25,000 families dealing with pediatric cancer. Without the Ronald McDonald House, many of these families would not have been able to afford to stay in New York City so that their child could receive cancer treatment. We are delighted to report that 85% of the children who have come to stay at the House over the years have survived their illness and gone on to lead normal, healthy lives.”
I was honored to be asked to be part of the blogger Ambassador program for the NYC Ronald McDonald House. I had attended an event in the past, so I had some familiarity with the organization.
As a way of quickly summarizing what Ronald McDonald Houses do, they basically allow lower income families to receive life saving cancer treatments for their children, because it gives them a place to stay while their children are receiving those treatments. These are folks who could not afford a room in NYC or other expensive urban areas, and some of them need to be here for 3-6 months.
The NYC location is on the Upper East Side near many of the biggest medical centers in NYC. And because the other component here is that there are children living in Ronald McDonald Houses as I said above, for possibly 3-6 months, they have complete kitchen access with storage and they enjoy comfortable rooms, like they would have at a hotel:
And a huge downstairs area for play, from a toddler area, to a video game room, to a music room:
Having a clear head, a distracted and engaged mind, is important for the kids getting the treatments, and also for their siblings who have to stay with their family. I was extremely impressed with the entire set-up, they have thought of everything to help these folks, who are going through a life changing experience with their children. They have made them as comfortable as possible. It is an honor to be able to work with them!
Ronald McDonald Houses are a charity not specifically funded by the McDonald’s Corporation as you might think. The local area McDonald’s owners certainly help support the NY center, as do many other organizations including Macy’s who decorated and contributed to the lounge area for the families. I hope you will check them out on Facebook and any time you can think of a way to help, it will always be appreciated!
I will have more to share during the year!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post.
Any you knew there was a celeb shot!
The Ronald McDonald house program is amazing. I love that they help families during the worst of times- such an important role to play.
I used to be a music therapist. It makes me so happy to see that they have a music room!
There is a Ronald McDonald house here, too. I had never seen pictures of the inside before. I’m so glad to hear of all they have thought about (for siblings and parents) when setting the house up!
The Ronald McDonald house is an amazing organization. I have a good friend who stayed at a Ronald McDonald house up in Boston with his wife while their newborn was in the ICU.
I love the Ronald McDonald House network. They do amazing things for families in strife. The one here in N.C. is amazing. I know several people who have utilized it.
Congrats Mitch! They do such an awesome job. Love the RMH staff too.
That music room looks awesome! I love how they made this place feel like a real home for those families in need.
How great of you to be an Ambassador for RMH NYC. Many people do think it’s supported solely by the McDonald’s Corp. which of course you made clear that it is not. These “houses” are so important for patients and their families. As a five year volunteer at a RMH, I was lucky enough to meet the most amazing, courageous young people who taught me about living life. There are so many things people can do to contribute to this great organizations. I’m sure your blog will bring that to light!
Mitch! This is wonderful! My family has been thankful for the Ronald McDonald House network and their services more than once over the years. What a great program.
What a fantastic housing unit – so posh! This charity has done so much good over the years.
Ronald McDonald House has a special place in my heart. Before my nephew passed away, my brother was able to stay at one to be near him.
You will be a great ambassador for a great organization. Here in the Rochester area there are concerts & huge garage sales that raise funds for RMH.
That’s awesome Mitch. Congrats on being an ambassador. I know you’ll do great things for them.
i have known a few families who stayed at a RMH. they’ve all had nothing but wonderful things to say about their stays. what a blessing for the families to be able to live in a home-like environment and not a hotel when going through treatments.
I love your celeb. shots. 🙂 This is a great charity to talk about, I agree. The more aware people are of what the organization consists of/does, the more prone too they might be to help. At least I know it’s that way for me. Awesome share, I look forward to hearing more.
Congrats on becoming an ambassador. This program does a lot of good.
This is a great honor. Ronald McDonald House is a great organization.
Their program is amazing! I love that children and their families have somewhere to go to relax and just be kids, without having to be so caught up in their treatments at the moment. What a great post (and celebrity photo!) 😉
I love what Ronald McDonald house does for families. I work at a hospital that does limb lengthening on children and we have one locally. The families are always impressed that things they wouldn’t even know to ask were thought of and taken care of!
Congrats Mitch!
I have known several families that have benefited from Ronald McDonald house. They do a great thing for children and families. I love that they have a music room! Music helps with healing. Congrats on being an embassador!
Such a great cause. Congrats to you!
While I don’t necessarily agree with McDonald’s food, I can’t deny that they do some great good for people who really need it! Congratulations on being included in a great philanthropic opportunity 🙂
Truly a wonderful thing they do. I can only imagine what a difference it makes for people to have a place to stay!
Congratuations! Ronald McDonald House is a great program!
Congratulations Mitch! I knew there would be a celeb photo involved, that’s great!
The Ronald McDonald House does so many amazing things! Congrats on being an ambassador and bringing such awareness to an awesome organization!
What a great organization. I have had a few friends stay.
Love the celebrity shot… bet he didn’t give you any backtalk, did he?! 🙂 The Ronald McDonald House program is a tremendous help to families and I’m so glad to hear that you’re one of their ambassadors! Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com
This organization holds a special place for us! What a great ambassadorship, congrats!
Excellent organization! My family and I just participated in Tab Toss Day for our local Ronald McDonald House. We have been supporters of our local Ronald McDonald House for years and will continue to be. Congrats – such a fantastic organization to be an ambassador for!
What an awesome group to be an Ambassador for! We used the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington, DE (right across from the hospital) when our son had heart surgery. We only stayed there the night before, but my husband and I went over for a break and a couple meals while he was still in CICU.
It’s great that they have things at the house to entertain the kids to help keep their minds occupied with things besides treatments. Good for you for helping with this worthy cause!
How wonderful that you are able to help others in need. The Ronald McDonald House here is a bit smaller with all the comforts of home. Alot of people do not even realize they have a Ronald McDonald House near their hospital. They are truly angels. I hope you encourage others to help as well.
I used to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house. it was the best experience
Congrats, so cool! I love what they do for families!
This is such a great program. My youngest niece has been in the hospital for a month and will be for at least another month or two. The hospital is two hours away from my bil and sil, so having some help like this makes such a difference!
The Ronald McDonald House is such a wonderful organization. I love that they put so much thought into the entire treatment and recovery process of the children AND families affected by poor health. It’s so awesome that you are able to work with them!
And Mitch – Nice celeb picture! 🙂
What a great program to be an ambassador for! I have several friends that have benefited from The Ronald McDonald House while having medical treatments done, it’s a great place!
I have a friend who had a family member spend some time there. She can’t say enough about the place! I’ve only heard amazing things.