What We Do
With your help, we provide families with better access to the care their sick child needs.
With your help, we provide families with better access to the care their sick child needs.
Give a parent one wish and chances are they would ask for the health and happiness of their children. But that’s not always possible. Fortunately, our Ronald McDonald House provides temporary lodging and the comforts of “home” for families with critically ill/injured children.
The House is available to a family with a child, age 21 years or younger, who does not reside within Knox Co that is receiving medical treatment at any area hospital.
In 1969, three-year-old Kim Hill, daughter of Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill, was diagnosed with leukemia. Hill and his teammates formed “Eagles Fly for Leukemia,” raising nearly $150,000 for the local Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Audrey Evans, director of the Oncology Center, dreamed of creating a “home-away-from-home” for families of patients. This home would provide amenities like a kitchen and laundry, and be accessible to all, regardless of income.
An old house near the hospital was found, but funds were needed for renovation. Eagles’ General Manager, Jim Murray, asked the local McDonald’s to help. They agreed, donating proceeds from Shamrock Shakes, with just one condition – to name the house after America’s favorite clown.
In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House was established. Now, there are 390 Ronald McDonald Houses in 43 countries, serving nearly 8,000,000 people annually.
Parents don’t know when their children will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can support them all throughout their journey.