Keeping families togetherRonald McDonald House of Durham

Lindsay Hege Special Events ManagerLindsay@ronaldhousedurham.orgNovember 2011

A “home away from home” ~ Keeping families together

“The Ronald McDonald House provides the sense of normalcy and togetherness for the whole family during a time of extreme stress and crisis in their lives. A Hotel or

apartment cannot offer support, comfort or counsel when you need it most.”~ Ronald McDonald House of Durham guest

A history of the “House that Love Built”

1974 First Ronald McDonald

House opens in Philadelphia

•Fred Hill - a Philadelphia Eagles’ tight end - has a 3 year old daughter, Kim, who is being treated for leukemia

•Jim Murray (Eagles’ GM), Ed Rensi, (McDonald’s Regional Manager) and Dr. Audrey Evans (Pediatric Oncologist) work with Mr. Hill to develop a home for families with seriously ill children

•McDonald’s owner/operators donate proceeds from Shamrock Shakes

1980Ronald McDonald House of Durham

opens

• 13th Ronald McDonald House established

• First House in North Carolina

• First House established in a city without an NFL team

• Opened with 13 bedrooms

2005Ronald McDonald Family

Room at Duke Medical Center Opens

• To serve local families and support families on RMHD waitlist

• Since opening has seen over 81,000 visitors

• Open 7 days a week – staffed by volunteers

Ronald McDonald House today

Funding and Community Support

Ronald McDonald House of Durham receives support from hundreds of individuals, community organizations, student groups,

athletic teams, schools, churches and businesses.

What it’s really about…

-How would you feel if someone in your family was sick and had to stay at the hospital?-What would you do if your family was far away?

“The House is a safe place emotionally where everyone understands everyone has an extra burden in their hearts, and everyone tries to be caring. And if stress

levels prevent out-going caring, then quietness of heart is just as accepted. (If only the outside world could live as Ronald McDonald House families.)”

~Ronald McDonald House of Durham guest

A “home away from home” ~ Keeping families together

The Moody Family

“The House gives us a home for our family while Cali fights for her life – it means everything to us.”

~ Chad and Sarah Moody

A community of hope, comfort and empathy

“Emotional support is available at the whisper of a need, or the drop of a tear. “

~ Ronald McDonald House of Durham guest

All families express…FearHopeFaith

Appreciation

A community of hope, comfort and empathy

“Here you have a support group…the other families in the house are going through some trying times with you. It’s really good to be able to talk to

them; someone actually knows what you're going through.”~ Ronald McDonald House of Durham guest

Families appreciate most… A place to call “home” when they are far from home A place to connect with others and “be normal” A place to have a meal, do laundry, play and relax A place of love and support

Growing to serve more families

The Need

RMHD Today

The Future RMHD

Advances in pediatric medicine give more children hope

Growth of Duke Children’s Hospital

Specialty care – Thymus, Bone Marrow, Transplants and Clinics

RMHD will host over 1,200 family visits

29 rooms and one apartment, including 8 Transplant Suites

Will turn away almost half of those who need to stay due to lack of space

Family Rooms at Wake Med and Duke

Expansion of current building will double current capacity

Expanded RMHD will have 55 rooms/ suites and one offsite apartment

Addition of new suites will allow for more long term families

“I’m not alone here at Ronald McDonald House. Knowing that we have a safe place to stay, that we don’t have to stress about money means I can put my

mind on what I came here for – the recovery of my child.”~ Ronald McDonald House of Durham guest

Keeping pace with current Duke Children’s Hospital growth

How our volunteers can help

Special holiday activities for kids

Organize a Wish List Drive

Baking cookies or making a meal

Paint a mural in a family room

Create welcome packages for families

Special planter pots to take home

Sport-A-Shirt t-shirt team

Cary AcademyTime Talent

Decorate pillow cases for kids

“None of us is a good as all of us.” ~ Ray Kroc, McDonald’s Founder

Thank you for supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Durham!

Giving begins with one inspired heart.Couple that inspiration with a passion to make a difference.

Together, this match creates dynamic possibilities for families.Your support means another day of hope at the

Ronald McDonald House of Durham.

A “home away from home” ~ Keeping families together