More than 60 countries around the world are home to Ronald McDonald Houses – but it all began with one community determined to help families in need.
A Ronald McDonald House provides a place for families to stay when their child is hospitalized and too young to be left alone for long periods of time. The first house was founded in 1974 by Fred Hill, after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. During her treatment, Hill met other families who were traveling long distances just to be near their children in the hospital.
Determined to help, Hill partnered with his teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles and McDonald’s. Together, they raised money to build the first Ronald McDonald House near the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Today, Ronald McDonald Houses serve millions of families across more than 60 countries and regions. The current largest house is in Ohio, but back in 1984, when the Roanoke, Virginia house was built, it was the largest at the time. The program provides families with a place to sleep, home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, emotional support programs, family rooms inside hospitals, and mobile medical clinics. These houses are supported by McDonald’s, donations, and volunteers who help cook, clean, and care for families during difficult times.
For me, this cause is personal. I learned more about Ronald McDonald House through my friend Meg and her family. Mountains for Meg is a charity started by the family of Margaret Todd Burrow, who suffered from a rare genetic condition called CTBP-1. Meg celebrated her 11th birthday before passing away after living a life full of strength and courage.
Although I have never personally had to stay in a Ronald McDonald House, I choose to help by volunteering with my family to prepare meals for families staying there. When families are going through the hardest time of their lives, don’t they deserve to be supported the most?
If you are able, please consider donating your pop tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House located at 1901 Rockland Road.
Ronald McDonald House of Southwest Virginia (https://www.rmhc-swva.org/)
-Charlotte Hening, 13-year-old 7th grader at Andrew Lewis Middle School
