When life becomes unrecognizable and uncertain, that’s where Hope lives.
In a place called Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill.
A House for hope, healing, and a home away from home.
We are here to care for families in life-altering moments, days and months that children spend in area hospitals. The House offers physical comfort and emotional support through programs dedicated to the well-being of the whole family. A child in medical crisis or suffering serious injury is something a family can never fully fathom, let alone prepare for.
The House embraces parents and children coming to us in dark hours filled with fears. Yet no matter the medical diagnosis or unknown ailments that bring families through our doors, we provide Hope around every corner. Hope in knowing their family is not alone anymore, comforted by a community of shared stories, with people hearing and healing each other’s hearts. Hope that comes from walking in the same shoes.
Our house is more than just four walls.
History of the House
In 1974, the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia thanks to Dr. Audrey Evans, Philadelphia Eagles player Fred Hill (whose daughter Kim had leukemia), Eagles general manager Jim Murray, and Ed Rensi, McDonald’s regional manager. The McDonald’s owner/operators in Philadelphia made the House possible, donating proceeds from the sale of Shamrock Shakes. In 1984, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities was officially established in memory of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, a strong advocate for children. The name changed to Ronald McDonald House Charities in 1996.
The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill serves families from across the state of North Carolina, the U.S. and even foreign countries. Families staying at the House not only enjoy amenities like those found in their own home, but also the support of other families experiencing similar struggles. In the comfort and quiet provided here they are able to relax and unwind after a long, stressful day at the hospital.
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April 15, 1988
The House opens to our first family
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2001
Expansion from 19 to 29 rooms
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2005
Family Support Programming begins
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May 2011
Ronald McDonald Family Room opens at NC Children’s Hospital
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2015
Expansion adds 24 rooms, apartment style suites, one acre courtyard
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2016
Loving Hands Program Opens – First of its kind end-of-life pediatric care program.
McDonald’s involvement extends beyond monetary support:
– Franchisees partner with the House for promotional and fundraising events.
– McDonald’s employees are dedicated volunteers.
– Owner/operators serve on our Board each year.
– Donation boxes in McDonald’s Restaurants are the largest source of ongoing funding for RMHC Global.
Although McDonald’s is our largest corporate donor, no company can solely fund our programs and our projected growth. We need the support of the entire community and greatly value any support you can afford to the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, whether it’s through cash donations, your time, your talents, spreading the word as an ambassador or fundraising efforts.
In May 2011, we opened a Ronald McDonald Family Room on the seventh floor of North Carolina Children’s Hospital. The Family Room allows us to extend our comfort and care to all inpatient families. Space and utilities, as well as maintenance and repair for the Ronald McDonald Family Room, are provided free of charge by the Hospital.
Working as a team, RMH staff and NC Children’s Hospital staff evaluate and address family and patient needs. RMH staff members participate in hospital committees, such as the NCCC Family Advisory Board and the Pediatric Palliative Care Committee. Several members of UNC Hospital’s administrative and clinical staff serve as Ronald McDonald House Board members each year.
A Constant in an Uncertain World
Dylan Zuege was only three years old when his seizures started. His parents, Karen and Jeff, were shocked by the severity of their son’s epilepsy.
