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The History of the House that Love Built

When Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill’s 3-year-old daughter, Kim, was being treated for leukemia in 1974, his life changed.

He and his wife, Fran, camped out on hospital benches and sat in cramped waiting rooms during Kim’s three years of treatment. The Hills watched other parents and families of seriously ill children do the same thing. Many of the families had to travel long distances for their children to receive medical treatment and couldn’t afford hotel rooms.

The Hills knew there had to be a solution. Fred rallied the support of his teammates to raise funds. Through Jim Murray, the Eagles’ general manager, the team offered its support to Dr. Audrey Evans, head of the pediatric oncology unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Evans dreamed of a comfortable temporary residence for families of children being treated at her hospital.

Jim enlisted Don Tuckerman from the local McDonald’s advertising agency, who with the support of McDonald’s Regional Manager Ed Rensi, launched the St. Patrick’s Day Green Milkshake (dubbed the Shamrock Shake) promotion. Funds raised helped buy an old house located near the hospital, which was opened in 1974 as the first Ronald McDonald House.

The network of Houses quickly grew after that. In 2010, we are scheduled to open our 300th Ronald McDonald House.

Purpose of the Ronald McDonald House

Many families travel far from home to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. The treatment may last a day, a month, or even longer. It’s a long time to be away from home, or to divide a family.

Ronald McDonald Houses around the world offer families a way to stay together, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay.

Families are stronger when they are together, which helps in the healing process. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents can also can better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed.

Services for Families

At every House, families can enjoy:

• Home-cooked meals
• Private bedrooms
• Playrooms for children

Depending on the House, these services may also be available:

• Special suites for children with suppressed immune systems
• Accredited education programs
• Recreational activities
• Non-clinical support services
• Sibling support services

Ronald McDonald Massage Volunteers

Currently there are 3 Ronald McDonald Volunteer Massage Projects operating in Pennsylvania. There are programs in Pittsburgh, Hershey and Philadelphia.

Any amount of time you can give is greatly appreciated. There is no pressure or expectation for you to volunteer more than what fits your life style and time parameters. The focus is to give back and share the healing gift of touch to those in need. Your generosity and kindness is making a difference, one person and one touch at a time.

If you are interested in volunteering at any of these locations, please contact:
Camille Baughman at this address or 717-385-2170.

Ronald McDonald House Massage Project