The motivation behind my choice to center my I-search paper on Ronald McDonald House Charities stems from my personal link to this organization. My involvement with it commenced when my initial grandchild was delivered and detected with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Medical professionals clarified that this ailment impacts one out of every 2,700 infants. CDH arises when there is a fissure in the diaphragm, leading to organs such as the stomach, spleen, intestines, and liver relocating into the chest cavity and exerting pressure on the lungs.
This leads to underdeveloped lungs, resulting in the doctors informing them that the baby would need to be hospitalized for three months. They were advised to contact the Ronald McDonald House (RMHC) for accommodation after the delivery. Placed on a waiting list, they were instructed to inform the manager at RMHC at the University of Virginia when their due date arrived. While staying at RMHC, my son and daughter-in-law had the chance to have a close family member stay with them for a few days. Personally, I stayed for several days both during and after my granddaughters’ surgery.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities intrigued me due to my limited knowledge about their origins and purpose. I was particularly fascinated by the history and personal stories associated with these charities. To acquire comprehensive information on this subject, I visited http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/ronald-mcdonald-house/, the original website of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Since it is the authentic website, I considered it a reliable source. The website provides detailed information regarding the establishment of the charity, showcases the first child to benefit from it, shares volunteer stories, and presents current news and event updates related to this charity.
Additionally, I observed that this website provides information on RMHC’s scholarships and grants. It also features stories from parents and children across the U.S. This search may be somewhat challenging as this charity is not as widely known as others. Nevertheless, I am prepared to start this search with the same determination a mother bear would have in protecting her young. Wish me luck. The history of the Ronald McDonald House can be found on the official Ronald McDonald House Charities Website at http://rmhc.org/the history of the house that love built.
In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House was established in Philadelphia. The initiative originated when Fred Hill, a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, discovered that not only his 3-year-old daughter but also other parents of children receiving treatment stayed in the hospital’s waiting room. This led Hill and his neighbors to create a charity called “Eagles Fly for Leukemia.” When the Eagles’ owner learned about the charity, he fully supported it and rallied the team’s resources behind it. Additionally, the Eagles’ general manager collaborated with a hospital doctor who desired to provide comfortable temporary accommodations for parents. The involvement of McDonald’s began when the Eagles’ general manager approached Don Tuckerman, who managed an advertising agency responsible for McDonald’s local advertisements. Tuckerman subsequently reached out to the regional manager of McDonald’s, and together they devised a plan to raise funds for the charity.
McDonald’s launched a new milkshake named “The Shamrock Shake” and utilized the funds generated from sales, in addition to donations made towards the leukemia charity called “The Eagles Fly for Leukemia,” to acquire an adjacent historic property. This acquired house earned the moniker “The House that Love Built.” Having experienced a stay at this remarkable four-story residence, featuring a spacious backyard and enclosed by a privacy fence, it is unmistakable that the house genuinely lives up to its given name.
Upon entering the house, visitors will be welcomed by a charmingly decorated foyer adorned with quilts created exclusively for the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, discreetly placed offices can be found within the foyer, seamlessly blending in with the cozy atmosphere.
The kitchen is remarkably roomy and boasts tables at both ends along with counters lining the side walls. Equipped with an array of amenities such as sinks, dishwashers, coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves, it caters to all needs. In the center of this spacious kitchen sits a large island featuring stools on each end and stoves on both sides. This island often displays two or three bowls filled with easily accessible snacks.
There is a spacious deck connected to the kitchen, equipped with a gas grill and tables and chairs. Adjacent to the kitchen is a tranquil room featuring a real fireplace and a computer, resembling a cozy living-room. The bedrooms are situated on the two floors above the kitchen, each containing a queen-size bed and a twin-size trundle bed accommodating two people. A bathroom is conveniently located between every two bedrooms. Down in the basement, there is an expansive family room boasting a big screen television and a large play area offering endless entertainment options for children.
The laundry, located off of the family/play room, consists of four washers and dryers. There are double doors that lead out to a spacious patio, adorned with a porch swing hanging from the deck above. Additionally, lounge chairs and a patio set are provided. The yard features flower beds and a designated play area for children. A book titled “Entering these doors of Compassion” has been written by Barbara Macleod, a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House. Within the book, the author shares her firsthand experience as a dedicated volunteer.
The author personally volunteered at all the Ronald McDonald houses and noticed that while each house has its unique structure, they all maintain a strong and compassionate environment. However, the book was disappointing as it did not provide sufficient information about the mission and vision of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Nevertheless, with support from the medical community, these charities can make a significant impact on improving children’s health and overall well-being worldwide.
Both the RMHC Global and local boards of directors actively support the organization by providing land for Ronald McDonald Houses and spaces within hospitals for Family Rooms. They also contribute financially towards operating costs and offer donations of in-kind services. In addition, they utilize their connections with the medical community to assist families in accessing necessary care for their sick and injured children, overcoming potential obstacles. My research not only highlights the establishment of Ronald McDonald House Charities but also demonstrates the compassion and empathy displayed by those involved.
In today’s world, the lack of love and compassion is a common observation. However, Ronald McDonald Houses serve as an exceptional example of selflessness. If you ever feel a void of love and compassion in your life, I encourage you to visit or volunteer at one of these houses. You can find more information about the charity on their website: http://rmhc/the house that love built, http://rmhc.org/history, http://rmhc.org/what we do, and http://rmhc.org/our mission & vision. For a deeper understanding, consider reading Barbara Macleod’s book titled “Entering These Doors of Compassion: Ronald McDonald House Charities Wilmington, Ohio,” published by Orange Frazer Press in 2003.
