Ronald McDonald Houses Support Families Near Hospitals

Ronald McDonald Houses help families stay close to children receiving medical care by providing lodging and other practical and emotional support. In the Chicago area, the Polacek family says nearby accommodations made it easier to be with Mia, who is 7 and has lived far beyond typical expectations for children with Trisomy 18, through lengthy hospital stays. In Shreveport, the house marked its first anniversary after serving 328 families and providing more than 3,600 overnight stays, with estimated savings of $660,000 for families. The Mid-Michigan house likewise provides families with no-cost lodging, meals, transportation and community support, while a report highlights a new look for the facility and the continuing importance of local backing.