Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Milwaukee

The story of the Ronald McDonald House began in 1974. Fred Hill, tight end of the Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife Fran had just learned their three-year-old daughter Kim had leukemia. The Hills spent most of their time in the hospital, sleeping on hospital chairs and eating meals out of the vending machines as other families had been doing. They learned that many of the families had traveled great distances but couldn't afford hotel rooms. With the help of teammates, doctors and friends, they built the first Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for families of seriously ill children being treated at area hospitals. Today, there are more than 270 Houses worldwide.

The Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee opened its doors over 24 years ago. During our early years, it was typical for guest families to spend a few nights, perhaps a week with us. Our 25 bedrooms proved sufficient for awhile. Then, over time, medical advances, the kind that save the lives of children who would not have been saved two decades ago, began requiring extended treatments. Yet doctors and nurses told us their young patients showed the best signs of healing when they could spend time away from hospital rooms in a more homelike setting surrounded by family. To accommodate these families, we expanded the House, adding an extended stay wing with thirteen 2-room units. We also renovated the existing House so that every family staying with us could have a private bathroom, a small amenity it may seem, but one that means a great deal to our guest families. These renovations have continued to make our House the best "home away from home" it can be.

Since 1984, over 28,000 families from 568 Wisconsin communities, 48 states and 26 foreign countries have called our House their "home." Over 400 volunteers help us keep our doors open 365 days a year. If guest families can make a donation, the suggested amount is $10.00 per evening. For some, even that is more than they are able to afford, yet no one is ever turned away for lack of funds. The actual cost for a family to stay is over $100.00 per night.

We let families focus on one thing - the health of their child - and keep families together when it counts the most. This is a house built with love and filled with hope.

- Pam Buckley, Executive Director