House programs spark a global movement
In 1974, Ronald McDonald House opened the first Ronald McDonald House to give families a place to stay when they had to go to Philadelphia for their child’s medical care. Co-founder and pediatric oncologist, Dr. Audrey Evans, knew it was equally important to care for, and support the whole family when a child was sick.
One year later, Chicagoland residents Charlie and Gay Marino made a trip to the doctor that would change their life - and those of countless others - forever.
When their daughter, Gage, was diagnosed with stage four cancer, the Marinos immediately began seeking treatment in Chicago and wanted to remain as close as possible while she received it. But, as the weeks turned to months, the Marinos had no option but to sleep in hospital waiting rooms night after night to remain close.
The Marinos dreamed of setting up a small, comfortable space near a local hospital where parents could stay the night with the peace of knowing their child was nearby. And their chance encounter with another pediatric oncologist in Chicago helped turn their dream into a reality.
Dr. Edward Baum was Gage’s oncologist. He had heard of a similar concept recently opened in Philadelphia. He immediately connected the Marinos with Dr. Evans and Jimmy Murray, co-founders of the first Ronald McDonald House. Within a week, Dr. Evans and Murray welcomed the Marinos to Philadelphia for a visit and offered whatever support they could provide to bring a similar structure to life in Chicago.
And just like in Philadelphia, the Marinos and Dr. Baum rallied a community of supporters in Chicagoland to help secure the funding for the second Ronald McDonald House which opened on April 28, 1977.
For Charlie Marino, meeting Dr. Baum was the best
encounter he ever had.
“He not only saved my daughter’s life,” Marino remembered of
the late Dr. Baum. “He wanted to help heal families. And
together, we were able to do that with the first RMHC in the Chicagoland area.”
The Ronald McDonald House vision is for a world where every family
has what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.
Today, Ronald McDonald House is closer to seeing that dream come true also. Each year, Ronald McDonald House serves millions of families through nearly 400 House programs worldwide and 280+ additional programs and services dedicated to supporting the whole family.
Bookmark ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/Our History for monthly stories of Ronald McDonald House impact since 1974.
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The Marinos dreamed of a space in Chicago where parents could stay knowing their child was nearby.
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Celebrating Dr. Audrey Evans and her legacy.
Ronald McDonald House is committed to making family-centered spaces more sustainable for generations to come.
“Having already endured trauma during the evacuation from Afghanistan, keeping the families together was our top priority.”
“The Ronald McDonald House was extraordinary. The staff was extremely kind and it truly is a home away from home.”
These partners and their consistent steadfast support is essential to our ability to help families around the world feel at home…even when they can’t be.
“It was great to all be together when my brother was sick. When we visited him at the hospital, he was always smiling and happy to see us.”
“Ronald McDonald House helps keep families together and feel supported throughout their journey.”
“Sophia and Yuri found a community of support in other families going through similar situations.”
“It was such a relief because the girls were very compromised in the beginning and it just allowed us to focus on them.”
“The smiles on their faces were priceless and motivated me to continue volunteering.”
“We are grateful to be able to count committed partners like Cargill®.”
“When Juliana was hospitalized, we could rest knowing we were just steps away from her hospital bed thanks to Ronald McDonald House.”
"Thankfully, our valued partners recognize that now more than ever, the Ronald McDonald House system is reliant on their support."
“Ray Kroc Heritage Society donors continue the legacy of Ray Kroc, in whose memory Ronald McDonald House was founded.”
“I am honored to be entrusted with leadership of this truly superb organization.”
"I have to be here by her side."
“We found more than a roof over our head, we found our family."
“This is more than a place to sleep and eat…a place to be supported together.”
“The reason I run for Team Ronald McDonald House…”
Ronald McDonald House Charities President and CEO Sheila Musolino Announces Retirement.
“The gift of being together just makes you feel like you’re going to be okay.”
“We found comfort in spending time with family and newfound friends.”
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